Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1 KINGS 16:20KJV
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1 Kings 16:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 16:20 mean?

1 Kings 16:20 says that the rest of Zimri’s actions and the details of his betrayal are recorded in another historical book called "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." This verse tells the reader that more information about Zimri’s rule and his rebellion can be found in that official record.

This statement comes at the end of a brief account about Zimri, a king of Israel who reigned for only seven days after committing treason. The writer is summarizing Zimri’s story and pointing readers to another source for further details. In the context of 1 Kings, this is a common way the author wraps up the account of each king, signaling the transition to the next ruler.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 16:20

  • "Treason" (קֶשֶׁר, qesher) means a conspiracy or plot, especially against a ruler. Here, it highlights that Zimri’s rise to power was through betrayal, not a normal succession.
  • "Wrought" (כָּשַׁה, kashah) is often used for doing or making, but in this context, it refers to the act Zimri committed—his betrayal.
  • "Chronicles" (דִּבְרֵי, divrei; יָמִים, yamim) literally means "words" or "events" and "days." Together, they refer to records or annals, emphasizing that this was an official, ongoing record of the kings’ deeds.

Why 1 Kings 16:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and that more detailed records existed, showing the Bible’s focus on key events rather than exhaustive history.
  • By calling Zimri’s actions "treason," the verse underlines the seriousness of his crime and the instability in Israel’s leadership at the time.
  • The mention of the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" connects this story to a broader historical tradition, reminding readers that these events were part of a larger national record.

Where else these words appear

“Zimri” Hebrew H2174 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 25:14 Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites.
  • 1 Kings 16:15 In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:6 And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.

“treason” Hebrew H7195 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
  • 2 Kings 15:15 And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

“wrought” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:16 And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

“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.