And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.

1 KINGS 11:26KJV
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1 Kings 11:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:26 mean?

1 Kings 11:26 introduces Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, as a servant of Solomon who rebelled against the king. The verse also gives details about Jeroboam’s background, mentioning his mother Zeruah, a widow from Zereda, and his tribal connection as an Ephrathite.

This verse marks the beginning of Jeroboam’s story, which becomes important in the chapters that follow. The writer is setting the stage for a significant conflict by identifying Jeroboam’s family, his status as a servant, and the fact that he “lifted up his hand against the king,” a phrase that means he opposed or rebelled against Solomon’s rule.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:26

  • "Ephrathite" (אֶפְרָתִי, 'ephrathi') refers to someone from the tribe or region of Ephraim, which helps explain Jeroboam’s future influence among the northern tribes.
  • "Lifted up his hand" (יָד, yad) is a Hebrew expression for rebellion or active opposition, not just a minor disagreement. It signals a serious act against Solomon’s authority.
  • "Servant" (עֶבֶד, 'eved') shows that Jeroboam was originally in a position of service or subordination to Solomon, making his rebellion more striking.

Why 1 Kings 11:26 matters

  • This verse clears up that Jeroboam was not a random outsider but someone from within Solomon’s administration, making his rebellion more significant.
  • By giving Jeroboam’s family background and his mother’s status as a widow, the verse hints at his humble origins, which contrasts with his later rise to power.
  • The verse connects directly to the larger story of the kingdom’s division, showing that the seeds of conflict were already present during Solomon’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“Zereda” Hebrew H6868 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 4:17 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.

“Ephrathite” Hebrew H673 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 12:5 And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 1 Samuel 1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

“Nebat” Hebrew H5028 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Kings 12:2 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;)
  • 2 Kings 3:3 Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.
  • 2 Kings 15:24 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

“widow” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 2 Samuel 14:5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.