1 Kings 11:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:27 mean?

1 Kings 11:27 explains why Jeroboam rebelled against King Solomon: Solomon had built up the Millo and repaired the gaps in the city of David, his father’s city. The verse points to a specific building project as the reason for Jeroboam’s opposition to Solomon.

This verse is part of a narrative explaining the background to Jeroboam’s revolt. The writer is describing to the reader why Jeroboam, an official under Solomon, turned against the king. The “Millo” was a structure or fortification in Jerusalem, and repairing the “breaches” means strengthening the city’s defenses. These construction efforts, likely involving heavy labor from the people, set the stage for Jeroboam’s discontent.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:27

• מִלּוֹ (Millo, transliterated "Millo"): This word refers to a specific structure or earthwork in Jerusalem, probably a kind of supporting terrace or fortification. Its mention highlights the scale and importance of Solomon’s building projects.
• פֶּרֶץ (peretz, transliterated "breaches"): This word means a gap or break, usually in a wall. The verse emphasizes that Solomon was not just building new things but also repairing weaknesses in the city’s defenses, which may have required significant labor from the people.

Why 1 Kings 11:27 matters

• This verse clarifies that Jeroboam’s rebellion was not random or purely personal, but tied to Solomon’s building activities, which may have placed heavy burdens on the people.
• It connects the political unrest to specific actions by Solomon, showing how royal projects could have social and political consequences.
• The verse sets up the wider story of the kingdom’s division by showing the roots of discontent during Solomon’s reign, helping the reader understand the coming split between Israel and Judah.