After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.

1 KINGS 13:33KJV
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1 Kings 13:33 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 13:33 mean?

1 Kings 13:33 describes how King Jeroboam did not turn away from his wrong actions, but instead continued to appoint priests for the high places from among the common people, making anyone who wanted to serve as a priest. This verse shows that Jeroboam ignored warnings and kept up practices that went against the proper worship of God in Israel.

The verse comes after a dramatic warning to Jeroboam, where a prophet had spoken against his altar at Bethel. Instead of changing his ways, Jeroboam kept choosing priests from "the lowest of the people," not just from the tribe of Levi as the law required. This decision made it easy for anyone to become a priest, which was a serious break from the traditions and commands given to Israel about worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 13:33

  • "lowest" (קְצֵה, qetseh): This word means "edge" or "extremity," and here it is often understood as referring to people from the margins or lower ranks of society. The verse highlights that Jeroboam did not choose priests from the traditional priestly families but from anyone, even those with no special standing.
  • "consecrated" (מִלֵּא, millei + יָד, yad): The phrase uses the idea of "filling the hand," which was a Hebrew way of saying someone was officially set apart or ordained for priestly service. Jeroboam used this ritual for anyone who wanted to serve, not just those qualified by law.

Why 1 Kings 13:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jeroboam's main problem was not just idol worship but also ignoring God's instructions about who could serve as priests, which was a key part of Israel's religious life.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing Jeroboam's stubbornness, even after a direct warning and a miraculous sign. It sets up why his dynasty would later face judgment.
  • The detail about making priests from "the lowest of the people" helps readers see how Jeroboam's actions undermined the special role of the Levites and changed Israel's worship in a way that had lasting effects.

Where else these words appear

“would” Hebrew H2655 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Kings 21:6 And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.
  • Psalms 5:4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
  • Psalms 40:14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

“lowest” Hebrew H7098 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 36:11 And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • 1 Kings 12:31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

“places” Hebrew H1116 · used in 92 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Kings 16:4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 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 15:1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.
  • 2 Kings 15:8 In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.