1 Kings 16:32
1 Kings 16:32 in Multiple Translations
First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.
And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
And he put up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal which he had made in Samaria.
Ahab made an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.
Also he reared vp an altar to Baal in the house of Baal, which he had buylt in Samaria.
and raiseth up an altar for Baal, in the house of the Baal, that he built in Samaria;
He raised up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
And he erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
And he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria,
He built a temple in Samaria in order that the Israeli people could worship Baal there, and he put an altar there for making sacrifices to Baal.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 16:32
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 16:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥קֶם
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
לַ/בָּ֑עַל
בֵּ֣ית
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בָּנָ֖ה
בְּ/שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
וַ/יָּ֥קֶם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לַ/בָּ֑עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Prep | N-proper
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּנָ֖ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 16:32
וַ/יָּ֥קֶם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַ/בָּ֑עַל
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Prep | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Art | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּנָ֖ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בְּ/שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
Prep | N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 16:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel
30However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.
31And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal.
32First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.
33Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. 34In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Joshua son of Nun.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 10:21 | Then Jehu sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; there was not a man who failed to show. They entered the temple of Baal, and it was filled from end to end. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 10:26–27 | They brought out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it. They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day. |
1 Kings 16:32 Summary
This verse tells us that Ahab, the king of Israel, built a temple for the false god Baal and set up an altar to worship him. This was a terrible sin, because God had commanded the Israelites to worship Him alone (as seen in Deuteronomy 6:13-15). By building this temple, Ahab was openly disobeying God and leading his people away from the true God. We can learn from Ahab's mistake by making sure to prioritize our worship and devotion to the one true God, and avoiding anything that might lead us away from Him, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-38.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal?
Ahab set up an altar for Baal because he had married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and was influenced by her pagan beliefs, as seen in 1 Kings 16:31, which states that he proceeded to serve and worship Baal after marrying her, much like Solomon's foreign wives led him astray in 1 Kings 11:1-8.
What is the significance of the temple of Baal in Samaria?
The temple of Baal in Samaria was a place of pagan worship, and by building it, Ahab was openly defying the God of Israel, who had commanded the Israelites to worship Him alone, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:13-15 and Exodus 20:3-5.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 1 Kings?
This verse fits into the overall theme of 1 Kings, which explores the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, as seen in the lives of the kings of Israel, including Ahab, who is described as doing more evil than all the kings before him in 1 Kings 16:30.
What can we learn from Ahab's actions in this verse?
We can learn that our choices and actions have consequences, and that turning away from God to worship idols or other false gods will lead to spiritual darkness and separation from Him, as warned in Romans 1:18-25 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'altars' or 'temples' that we might be tempted to build in our lives, and how can we avoid idolatry?
- How can we ensure that our relationships and influences do not lead us away from God, like Ahab's marriage to Jezebel did?
- What are some ways that we can prioritize our worship and devotion to the one true God, and avoid the temptation to worship false gods or idols?
- How can we learn from Ahab's mistakes and apply those lessons to our own lives, to avoid the consequences of disobedience and idolatry?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 16:32
And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 16:32
And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. Reared up an altar for Baal - i:e., the sun, worshipped under various images.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:32
1 Kings 16:32 And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.Ver. 32. And he reared up an altar.] For the sake, and by the instigation of his wicked wife, a qua totus possidebatur et regebatur, et ut ita dicam, regina erat Rex, Rex vero regina. Bucholc.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 16:32
32. in the house of Baal] The LXX. renders by ἐνοἴκῳτῶνπροσοχθισμάτωναὐτοῦ ?= in the house of his abominations. This is after the fashion of the Jews who preferred to use the word ‘bosheth’ = shame, rather than the name ‘Baal’ when the latter could be avoided. Cf. the names ‘Ishbosheth’ and ‘Mephibosheth’ which are instead of ‘Eshbaal’ and ‘Meribbaal.’
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:32
32. An altar for Baal in the house of Baal — That is, he built a temple in honour of this Zidonian god, and in it erected an altar on which sacrifices might be offered to him.