At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick.

1 KINGS 14:1KJV
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1 Kings 14:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 14:1 mean?

1 Kings 14:1 reports that at a certain time, Abijah, the son of King Jeroboam, became seriously ill. This verse marks the beginning of a story where Jeroboam’s family faces trouble, setting up the events that follow.

The verse is part of the narrative about Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after it split from Judah. The focus shifts to his son, Abijah, whose sickness prompts Jeroboam to seek out a prophet for guidance. This moment signals a turning point in Jeroboam’s reign and foreshadows consequences for his actions as king.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 14:1

  • עַת־הַהִיא (ʿet ha-hiʾ, “at that time”): This phrase sets the scene, indicating that the events are tied to a specific period in Jeroboam’s rule, not just a random occurrence.
  • חָלָה (ḥālāh, “fell sick”): This word means to become ill or weak. In the Old Testament, sickness often signals a significant event or turning point, sometimes with spiritual or moral implications for those involved.

Why 1 Kings 14:1 matters

  • The verse introduces a crisis in Jeroboam’s household, showing that even kings and their families are not immune to suffering or trouble.
  • By naming Abijah and linking him to Jeroboam, the verse sets up a personal and political drama that will unfold in the following verses, connecting family issues to national leadership.
  • The mention of sickness as the starting point hints that what follows is not just a family matter but has broader meaning for Israel’s history and Jeroboam’s legacy.

Where else these words appear

“Abijah” Hebrew H29 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died.

“sick” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

“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.