1 Kings 12:3
1 Kings 12:3 in Multiple Translations
So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said,
That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,
and they sent and called him), that Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,
And all the men of Israel came to Rehoboam and said,
The Israelite leaders sent for him. Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israelites went to talk with Rehoboam.
Then they sent and called him: and Ieroboam and all the Congregation of Israel came, and spake vnto Rehoboam, saying,
that they send and call for him; and they come — Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel — and speak unto Rehoboam, saying,
and they sent and called him), Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
And they sent and called him: and Jeroboam came, and all the multitude of Israel, and they spoke to Roboam, saying:
The leaders of the northern tribes summoned him, and they went together to talk to Rehoboam. They said to him,
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 12:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
וַ/יִּקְרְאוּ
ל֔/וֹ
ו/יבאו
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
יָרָבְעָ֖ם
וְ/כָל
קְהַ֣ל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֔וּ
אֶל
רְחַבְעָ֖ם
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יִּקְרְאוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
ו/יבאו
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יָרָבְעָ֖ם
Yârobʻâm
H3379
Jeroboam
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
קְהַ֣ל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֔וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רְחַבְעָ֖ם
Rᵉchabʻâm
H7346
Rehoboam
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:3
וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וַ/יִּקְרְאוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
ו/יבאו
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יָרָבְעָ֖ם
Yârobʻâm
H3379
"Jeroboam"
N-proper
Jeroboam means the people will contend, the name of two Israelite kings. The first Jeroboam was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:13.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.13; son of: Joash (H3101J); father of: Zechariah (H2148P) § Jeroboam = "the people will contend" 1) the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel when the kingdom split at the death of Solomon and the 10 tribes split off from Judah and Benjamin and the kingdom under Solomon's son Rehoboam; idolatry was introduced at the beginning of his reign 2) the 8th king of the northern kingdom of Israel, son of Joash, and 4th in the dynasty of Jehu; during his reign the Syrian invaders were repelled and the kingdom restored to its former borders but the idolatry of the kingdom was maintained
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: Jeroboam. See also: 1 Kings 11:26; 1 Kings 22:53; Amos 7:11.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
קְהַ֣ל
qâhâl
H6951
"assembly"
N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֔וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רְחַבְעָ֖ם
Rᵉchabʻâm
H7346
"Rehoboam"
N-proper
Rehoboam was a king of Judah, son of Solomon and Naamah, and is first mentioned in 1 Kings 11:43. He had several wives and children, including Abijah and Jeush. Rehoboam played a key role in the United and Divided Monarchy periods.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchyand Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.11.43; son of: Solomon (H8010) and Naamah (H5279A); brother of: Taphath (H2955) and Basemath (H1315); married to Maacah (H4601K), Mahalath (H4258H) and Abihail (H0032J); father of: Abijah (H0029I), Jeush (H3266K), Shemariah (H8114H), Zaham (H2093), Attai (H6262I), Ziza (H2124H) and Shelomith (H8019) Also named: Rhoboam (Ῥοβοάμ "Rehoboam" G4497) § Rehoboam = "a people has enlarged" son of Solomon and the 1st king of Judah after the split up of the kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Rehoboam. See also: 1 Kings 11:43; 2 Chronicles 10:3; 2 Chronicles 13:7.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Rebellion against Rehoboam
1Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king.
2When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since.
3So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said,
4“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” 5Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then return to me.” So the people departed.1 Kings 12:3 Summary
In this verse, the Israelites send for Jeroboam, a leader who had experience with King Solomon, to come and talk to Rehoboam about their concerns. They wanted Rehoboam to make things easier for them, just like we might ask for help when things get too hard. This reminds us that it's okay to ask for help and to seek wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 15:22. By listening to the needs of others and seeking guidance, we can build stronger relationships and communities, just like the Israelites were trying to do with Rehoboam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites send for Jeroboam?
The Israelites sent for Jeroboam because he was a leader who had experience with King Solomon and had been living in Egypt, as mentioned in 1 Kings 11:26-40, and they likely saw him as a potential leader to help them negotiate with Rehoboam.
What was the significance of the whole assembly of Israel coming to Rehoboam?
The whole assembly of Israel coming to Rehoboam signified the unity of the people in their request for relief from the heavy yoke of Solomon's rule, similar to how the Israelites united under Moses in Exodus 24:3-8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of leaders listening to the needs of their people, as seen in Proverbs 29:2, where it says that when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice, and in 1 Samuel 8:7, where the Israelites ask for a king to lead them.
What can we learn from the Israelites' decision to send for Jeroboam?
We can learn that seeking wise counsel and leadership is important, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which says that where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek wise counsel and leadership in my own life, just like the Israelites did?
- How can I apply the principle of listening to the needs of others, as seen in Rehoboam's situation, to my relationships with family and friends?
- In what ways can I be a leader or influencer in my community, and how can I use my position to serve and bless others, as seen in Jeremiah 29:7?
- What are some examples of 'heavy yokes' in my own life, and how can I seek relief and freedom from them, as the Israelites did?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:3
That they sent and called him,.... That is, the people of Israel, some of the principal of them, especially of the tribe of Ephraim, sent messengers to him, and gave him an invitation to come to them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:3
And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:3
They sent and called him: when the people sent him word of Solomon’ s death, they also sent a summons for him to come to Shechem. Or as soon as he had heard the tidings of Solomon’ s death from others, or from common fame; presently there came a solemn message to him from the people, who desired his presence and assistance, as it seems probable, from divers motives; some, that they might translate the kingdom from Rehoboam to him; and others only for this reason, that the presence and countenance of a man of so great interest and reputation, and one that had some claim or pretence upon the kingdom, might lay the greater obligation upon Rehoboam to grant their desires of ease and relief.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:3
1 Kings 12:3 That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,Ver. 3. That they sent and called him.] This was the act of the multitude, that shallow brained, but great and many headed beast. Jeroboam they picked as one that had been a prime officer amongst them; one that had suffered banishment for speaking freely for them, that was a mighty man of valour, and that had God’ s promise of the kingdom by the prophet Ahijah, who was also of the same tribe. And Rehoboam and all the congregation.] An importable subsidy in Henry VIII’ s time, procured by Cardinal Wolsey, was, by the Commons, denied to be paid. Suffolk rose up in arms making Poverty their captain, as here the aggrieved Israelites did Jeroboam, one that was born of himself, and of whom it might be said, as it was once of Caligula, Non meliorem unquam servum fuisse, nec deteriorem dominum, that there was not a better servant than he, nor a worse lord. Speed.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:3
3. that they sent] Better, And they sent: see the previous note. Josephus (Ant. viii. 8, i) calls this party οἱτῶνὄχλωνἄρχοντες, and represents them as sending to Jeroboam immediately after Solomon was dead. Clearly there was a feeling that some change was at hand, and the knowledge of Ahijah’s prophecies had not been confined to Jeroboam and Solomon. Hence men were prepared for what was coming. and called him] Knowing that he would be ready to come, and that his ability and industry (described 1 Kings 11:28 above) qualified him for a leader of their enterprise. Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel] The LXX. (Vat.) omits Jeroboam. But the object of sending for him was clearly that he might be the prime mover in the agitation, and by taking part in the popular petition he would prepare the way for the invitation sent to him as mentioned below in 1 Kings 12:20.