1 Kings 11:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:2 mean?

1 Kings 11:2 explains that God had warned the Israelites not to marry people from certain nations because these relationships would likely lead them to worship other gods. Despite this warning, Solomon formed close attachments to these women out of love.

This verse is part of a passage describing King Solomon’s later years, where he ignored God’s command given to the "children of Israel" about not forming close ties with foreign nations (specifically through marriage). The concern was not about nationality itself, but about being influenced to turn away from the LORD (the God of Israel) and follow other gods, which was a real danger in ancient times when religious identity was closely tied to national identity.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:2

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the command comes directly from God, not just a general rule.
• clave (דָּבַק, davaq): This word means to cling or stick closely. It shows that Solomon’s attachment to these women was deep and committed, not just casual.
• love (אַהֲבָה, ahavah): This word for love highlights that Solomon’s motivation was emotional attachment, which made it even harder for him to obey the warning.

Why 1 Kings 11:2 matters

• This verse clarifies that the main issue was not ethnic background, but the risk of being led away from faithfulness to God by close relationships with those who worshipped other gods.
• 1 Kings 11:2 sets up the reason for Solomon’s later downfall, showing that his choices were not just political or personal, but had spiritual consequences.
• The verse connects back to earlier commands in the Torah (like Deuteronomy 7:3–4), helping readers see how Solomon’s actions were a direct violation of what God had already said.