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

1 KINGS 16:14KJV
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1 Kings 16:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 16:14 mean?

1 Kings 16:14 states that the rest of King Elah’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 signals that the biblical account is not giving a full biography of Elah, but points readers to another record for more details.

This verse comes at the end of a brief summary of Elah’s reign as king of Israel. The writer is wrapping up Elah’s story after describing his short and troubled rule, which ended in assassination. The mention of the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel” shows that the biblical text often draws from or refers to other records that were kept about the kings’ reigns.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 16:14

  • “rest” (יֶתֶר, yeter): This word means “what remains” or “the remainder.” Here, it refers to everything about Elah’s reign that was not included in the main narrative.
  • “acts” (דָּבָר, davar): While often meaning “word” or “thing,” in this context it refers to Elah’s deeds or actions as king.
  • “written” (כָּתַב, kathav): This verb means “to write.” The verse uses it to point out that further details about Elah are recorded elsewhere.
  • “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer): This word means “scroll” or “book.” The mention of a specific book suggests that official records were kept during the time of Israel’s kings.

Why 1 Kings 16:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical narrative is selective and does not include every event from each king’s life, but instead refers to external records for more information.
  • The mention of the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel” highlights the existence of historical documentation outside the Bible, showing that the writers valued accuracy and sources.
  • By closing Elah’s story this way, the verse emphasizes the pattern used throughout Kings: each king’s reign is summarized, and the reader is directed to other records for further details.

Where else these words appear

“Elah” Hebrew H425 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 36:41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
  • 1 Kings 16:6 So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 18:1 Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

“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.