1 Kings 11:32 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:32 mean?

1 Kings 11:32 says that Solomon’s royal family will keep one tribe when his kingdom is divided. God gives two reasons: his regard for David, whom he calls his servant, and for Jerusalem, the city he chose from among Israel’s tribes.

The prophet Ahijah is speaking to Jeroboam, a man who had served under Solomon. After announcing the loss of much of Solomon’s kingdom in verse 31, Ahijah gives this exception: Solomon’s son will retain a share of the kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:32

• “tribe” — שֵׁבֶט (shevet): This word can mean a tribe or a large family group within a people. Here it describes the portion remaining under Solomon’s royal line, in contrast to the ten tribes given to Jeroboam in verse 31.
• “servant” — עֶבֶד (ʿeved): This word can mean a servant or someone who serves a ruler. In “my servant David,” it presents David in relation to God, the speaker whose words Ahijah delivers.

Why 1 Kings 11:32 matters

• The words “he shall have” point to Solomon’s royal line, not to Jeroboam. Verse 35 explains that the kingdom will be taken from Solomon’s son, while verse 36 says that a tribe will be given to him.
• Jerusalem is part of the reason for leaving a share of the kingdom. The phrase “the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel” marks the city as having a particular place among the tribes.
• “One tribe” describes a division of rule, though later accounts also name Benjamin alongside Judah under Solomon’s son Rehoboam. 1 Kings 12:21 describes Rehoboam gathering men from both Judah and Benjamin.