1 Kings 11:43 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:43 mean?

1 Kings 11:43 records the death of King Solomon, stating that he "slept with his fathers" (a common biblical phrase for dying), was buried in the city of David, and that his son Rehoboam became king after him. The verse marks the end of Solomon's reign and the beginning of Rehoboam's rule.

This verse comes at the close of a section describing Solomon's life and reign over Israel. The phrase "slept with his fathers" uses respectful language to describe Solomon's death, connecting him to his ancestors. The mention of burial in the city of David highlights Jerusalem's importance, and introducing Rehoboam sets the stage for the next era in Israel's history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:43

• "Slept" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word is often used in the Hebrew Bible to mean "died," but it literally means "to lie down." The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a respectful way to say someone has died and joined their ancestors.
• "Buried" (קָבַר, qavar): This word means to be placed in a grave. The verse emphasizes that Solomon was given a proper burial in Jerusalem, the city associated with his father David.
• "Reigned" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This verb means "to become king" or "to rule." The transition to Rehoboam is marked by this word, showing the official passing of royal authority.

Why 1 Kings 11:43 matters

• 1 Kings 11:43 signals a major transition in Israel's history, as the united kingdom under Solomon ends and the story moves toward division under Rehoboam.
• The respectful language about Solomon's death connects him to the line of Israel's kings and to his father David, reinforcing the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative.
• By naming Rehoboam as Solomon's successor, the verse prepares the reader for the significant events and challenges that will unfold in the next chapters.