Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1 KINGS 15:31KJV
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1 Kings 15:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 15:31 mean?

1 Kings 15:31 says that the rest of King Nadab’s actions and everything he did are recorded in another historical source called “the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.” This verse tells the reader that more details about Nadab’s reign exist elsewhere, even though they are not included in this part of the Bible.

This statement comes at the end of a short summary about Nadab, who was a king of Israel. The writer is letting the audience know that the account here is not exhaustive and points to another record for those interested in more information. This was a common way for biblical writers to wrap up a king’s story before moving on to the next ruler.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 15:31

  • The word “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether) means “what remains” or “the remainder.” Here, it refers to everything about Nadab’s reign that wasn’t mentioned in the main narrative.
  • “Acts” (דָּבָר, davar) is a word that often means “word” or “matter,” but in this context, it refers to Nadab’s deeds or actions as king.
  • “Book” (סֵפֶר, sefer) is the usual Hebrew word for a scroll or written record. It signals that there was an official record-keeping tradition for the kings.
  • “Chronicles” (דָּבָר, davar and יֹום, yom) uses the same word as “acts,” showing that the “chronicles” are really a collection of the king’s deeds and events, not a separate title like the later biblical book called Chronicles.

Why 1 Kings 15:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and not a full biography; it points readers to other sources for a more complete history.
  • The mention of “the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel” shows that Israel’s history was carefully recorded, even if not all records survived or were included in the Bible.
  • The formula used here helps structure the narrative, marking the end of one king’s story and preparing the reader for the next, which is a pattern throughout the books of Kings.

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.

“rest” Hebrew H3499 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 1 Kings 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 28:26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.