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 KINGS 16:27KJV
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1 Kings 16:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 16:27 mean?

1 Kings 16:27 says that the rest of King Omri’s deeds and his strength are recorded elsewhere, specifically in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. This verse points readers to another source for more details about Omri’s reign, beyond what is included here.

This verse comes near the end of a summary about King Omri, who ruled over Israel. The writer is wrapping up Omri’s story by noting that not everything about his actions and achievements is included in this account. Instead, the verse directs readers to an official record, showing that the biblical account is selective and that Omri’s reign was considered significant enough to be documented in detail elsewhere.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 16:27

  • "rest" (יֶתֶר, yeter): This word means "what remains" or "the remainder." Here, it refers to the additional acts of Omri not listed in this passage, highlighting that the biblical narrative is not exhaustive.
  • "acts" (דָּבָר, davar): Often meaning "word" or "matter," here it refers to the deeds or events of Omri’s reign. This shows the focus is on concrete actions and events.
  • "might" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): This word means "strength" or "power." By mentioning Omri’s "might," the verse draws attention to his notable achievements or military strength, even if the details are not included here.
  • "chronicles" (דִּבְרֵי, divrei; יָמִים, yamim): These words together mean "the matters of the days," which is a phrase used for official records or annals. This points to a historical record outside the biblical text, emphasizing the existence of other sources about Israel’s kings.

Why 1 Kings 16:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account does not include every detail about each king, but instead selects certain events to highlight.
  • By referencing another written record, the verse shows that the history of Israel’s kings was carefully documented and that the biblical writers expected readers to know about these other sources.
  • The mention of Omri’s "might" signals that he was a significant ruler, even if the Bible does not provide a full account of his accomplishments, encouraging readers to see him as an important historical figure.

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 16:25 But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.
  • 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.

“might” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 26:14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“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.