And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

1 KINGS 14:20KJV
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1 Kings 14:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 14:20 mean?

1 Kings 14:20 records that Jeroboam ruled as king for twenty-two years, then died ("slept with his fathers"), and his son Nadab became king after him. This verse marks the end of Jeroboam's reign and the beginning of his son's rule, signaling a transition in Israel's leadership.

This verse is part of a historical summary in the book of 1 Kings, which tracks the reigns of Israel's kings. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common way in the Old Testament to describe a king's death. The verse is not spoken by a person but is a narrative statement, giving a factual account of the succession from Jeroboam to Nadab.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 14:20

  • "slept" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word means to lie down, often used as a respectful way to say someone died, especially a king. It connects Jeroboam's death to the deaths of earlier generations, emphasizing continuity.
  • "reigned" (מָלַךְ, malakh): Used twice in this verse, this word means to rule as king. Its repetition highlights the orderly transfer of royal authority from Jeroboam to Nadab.
  • "Nadab" (נָדָב, Nadav): The name of Jeroboam's son, whose succession is noted here. Naming the successor underlines the dynastic aspect of Israel's monarchy.

Why 1 Kings 14:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies the length of Jeroboam's reign, which helps readers track the timeline of Israel's kings and situate events historically.
  • The mention of Nadab's succession shows that, despite Jeroboam's troubled reign, his dynasty continued—at least for another generation.
  • The verse connects to a pattern in Kings where each ruler's reign is summarized, helping readers follow the flow of leadership and the unfolding story of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Nadab” Hebrew H5070 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:28 And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur.

“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.