1 Kings 16:4
1 Kings 16:4 in Multiple Translations
Anyone belonging to Baasha who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.”
Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.
Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the field shall the birds of the heavens eat.
Anyone of the family of Baasha who comes to death in the town, will become food for the dogs; and he to whom death comes in the open country, will be food for the birds of the air.
Those of Baasha's family who die in the town will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the countryside will be eaten by birds.”
He that dyeth of Baashas stocke in the citie, him shall the dogs eate: and that man of him which dyeth in the fieldes, shall the foules of the ayre eate.
him who dieth of Baasha in a city do the dogs eat, and him who dieth of his in a field do fowl of the heavens eat.'
The dogs will eat Baasha’s descendants who die in the city; and he who dies of his in the field, the birds of the sky will eat.”
Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.
Him that dieth of Baasa in the city, the dogs shall eat: and him that dieth of his in the country, the fowls of the air shall devour.
The bodies of those in your family who die in this city will not be buried; they will be eaten by dogs; and the corpses of those who die in the fields will be eaten by vultures.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 16:4
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 16:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/מֵּ֤ת
לְ/בַעְשָׁא֙
בָּ/עִ֔יר
יֹֽאכְל֖וּ
הַ/כְּלָבִ֑ים
וְ/הַ/מֵּ֥ת
ל/וֹ֙
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ע֥וֹף
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
הַ/מֵּ֤ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
לְ/בַעְשָׁא֙
Baʻshâʼ
H1201
Baasha
Prep | N-proper
בָּ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
יֹֽאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הַ/כְּלָבִ֑ים
keleb
H3611
dog
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/מֵּ֥ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | Art | V-Qal
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ע֥וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
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 16:4
הַ/מֵּ֤ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
לְ/בַעְשָׁא֙
Baʻshâʼ
H1201
"Baasha"
Prep | N-proper
Baasha was a king of Israel, mentioned in 1 Kings 15:16, who killed King Nadab and founded the second dynasty of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.15.16; son of: Ahijah (H0281I); father of: Elah (H0425H) § Baasha = "wicked" third king of the northern kingdom of Israel and the founder of its second dynasty having killed the second king, Nadab
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Baasha. See also: 1 Kings 15:16; 1 Kings 16:6; Jeremiah 41:9.
בָּ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
יֹֽאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
הַ/כְּלָבִ֑ים
keleb
H3611
"dog"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
וְ/הַ/מֵּ֥ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
ע֥וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 16:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jehu’s Prophecy against Baasha
2“Even though I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin and to provoke Me to anger by their sins.
3So now I will consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat:
4Anyone belonging to Baasha who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.”
5As for the rest of the acts of Baasha, along with his accomplishments and might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 6And Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigned in his place.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 14:11 | Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.’ For the LORD has spoken. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 21:24 | Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.” |
1 Kings 16:4 Summary
[This verse means that God is saying that the people in Baasha's family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the fields will be eaten by birds, which is a sign of great shame and disrespect, as we see in Deuteronomy 28:26. This is happening because Baasha and his family have sinned against God and led the people of Israel astray, just like Jeroboam did before him, as mentioned in 1 Kings 15:13. God is a just and fair God, and He wants us to know that our actions have consequences, as we read in Galatians 6:7-8. We should strive to live a life that pleases Him, just like we're encouraged to do in Psalm 119:137.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone to be eaten by dogs or birds in 1 Kings 16:4?
In this context, it means that the bodies of those who belong to Baasha will not receive a proper burial, but will instead be left to be consumed by animals, which was considered a great shame and dishonor, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:26 and Jeremiah 7:33.
Is God being cruel by allowing such a fate to befall Baasha's family?
God is a just and righteous God, and His judgments are always fair, as stated in Psalm 119:137 and Deuteronomy 32:4, so this fate is a consequence of Baasha's sinful actions and rebellion against God.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of 1 Kings?
This verse is part of God's judgment on Baasha for his sinful actions, which is a recurring theme in 1 Kings, as seen in 1 Kings 15:13 and 1 Kings 21:20-24, where God holds leaders accountable for their actions.
What can we learn from Baasha's fate in 1 Kings 16:4?
We can learn that our actions have consequences, and that God will hold us accountable for our sins, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8 and Proverbs 28:13, so it's essential to live a life of obedience and humility before Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can examine my own heart and actions to ensure I am not provoking God to anger like Baasha did?
- How can I apply the principle of accountability for my actions, as seen in this verse, to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I show respect and honor to those around me, and to God, in light of the shame and dishonor that Baasha's family experienced?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's forgiveness and restoration, just as Israel needed to return to God after Baasha's reign?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 16:4
Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat, and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 16:4
Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:4
1 Kings 16:4 Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.Ver. 4. Him that dieth of Baasha.] See 1 Kings 14:10-11.
Sermons on 1 Kings 16:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Press On by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past dedication and fervor of believers in their pursuit of God's kingdom. They emphasize the importance of constantly seeking God throu |