But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:

1 KINGS 12:8KJV
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1 Kings 12:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 12:8 mean?

1 Kings 12:8 describes King Rehoboam turning away from the advice of experienced older men and seeking advice from men of his own generation. His choice matters because he is deciding how to answer people who have asked him to lighten the burdens placed on them under his father, Solomon.

The verse is told by the narrator rather than spoken by a character. The younger men “stood before him,” a phrase that places them in attendance on the king. They were also people who had grown up with him.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 12:8

  • “consulted” — יָעַץ (yaʿats): This word can mean to seek or give advice. The same Hebrew word stands behind “given” earlier in the verse, linking the advice Rehoboam received from the older men with his decision to consult the younger men.
  • “men” — יֶלֶד (yeled): This word can refer to a child or a young man. Here the KJV’s “young men” fits the description of people who had grown up alongside Rehoboam.

Why 1 Kings 12:8 matters

  • The verse marks a change in Rehoboam’s circle of advisers. The older men had served his father Solomon, according to verse 6, while the younger men had personal ties to Rehoboam himself.
  • Rehoboam’s answer is still taking shape at this point. Verse 8 describes whom he consults; his response to the people comes later, in verses 13–14.

Where else these words appear

“given” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
  • Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

“men” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

“up” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.