But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.

1 KINGS 16:25KJV
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1 Kings 16:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 16:25 mean?

1 Kings 16:25 says that Omri, a king of Israel, did what was evil in the LORD’s eyes and was even worse than all the kings who ruled before him. This verse highlights how Omri’s actions were especially displeasing to God, setting a new low point for Israel’s leadership.

The verse is part of a summary of Omri’s reign, written by the author of 1 Kings for later readers. The focus is on how Omri’s choices and behavior, as king, were not just wrong but stood out as worse than any previous king’s. This sets the stage for understanding the spiritual decline happening in Israel during this period.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 16:25

  • "evil" (רַע, ra‘): This word means something morally bad or wicked. The verse uses it to describe Omri’s actions from God’s perspective, not just by human standards.
  • "worse" (הֵרַע, hera‘): This word means to do more evil or to act in a way that is even more corrupt. The verse uses it to show that Omri’s reign marked a new level of wrongdoing compared to earlier kings.
  • "eyes" (עַיִן, ‘ayin): This phrase “in the eyes of the LORD” means how things appear from God’s viewpoint, emphasizing that God is the one judging Omri’s actions.

Why 1 Kings 16:25 matters

  • The verse makes clear that God’s standard for right and wrong is the measure for Israel’s kings, not just political success or popularity.
  • By saying Omri was worse than all before him, the verse signals a downward trend in Israel’s leadership, helping readers understand the seriousness of the nation’s spiritual decline.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the even greater evil that will come under Omri’s son, Ahab, showing a pattern of worsening leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Omri” Hebrew H6018 · used in 16 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Kings 16:27 Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he shewed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 1 Chronicles 7:8 And the sons of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. All these are the sons of Becher.

“worse” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;