So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.

1 KINGS 16:6KJV
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1 Kings 16:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 16:6 mean?

1 Kings 16:6 records the death of King Baasha, stating that he "slept with his fathers" (a common phrase for dying), was buried in Tirzah, and that his son Elah became king after him. This verse marks the end of Baasha’s reign and the beginning of Elah’s rule over Israel.

The book of 1 Kings is narrating the history of Israel’s kings, and here it simply notes the transition of power. No speech or direct action is described; it is a summary statement. The verse highlights the continuity of royal succession and situates the events in the city of Tirzah, which served as the capital at the time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 16:6

  • "slept" — שָׁכַב (shakav): This Hebrew word is often used in the Old Testament to mean "died," but it literally means "to lie down." The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a respectful way of saying someone has died and joined their ancestors.
  • "buried" — קָבַר (qavar): This word means "to bury." Mentioning Baasha’s burial in Tirzah emphasizes the importance of this city as the royal center during his reign.
  • "reigned" — מָלַךְ (malakh): This verb means "to become king" or "to rule." The verse uses it to show the official transfer of authority from Baasha to his son Elah.

Why 1 Kings 16:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies the peaceful transition of power from Baasha to his son Elah, which was not always the case in Israel’s history, where many successions were violent or contested.
  • By mentioning Tirzah, the verse situates the story in a specific historical and geographical context, reminding readers that Israel’s capital shifted over time.
  • The formulaic language ("slept with his fathers") connects Baasha’s death to the broader pattern of Israelite and Judean kings, showing that despite their actions, all rulers eventually faced the same end.

Where else these words appear

“Elah” Hebrew H425 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 36:41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
  • 1 Kings 16:8 In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.
  • 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.

“Tirzah” Hebrew H8656 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 26:33 And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
  • 1 Kings 14:17 And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died;
  • 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.

“Baasha” Hebrew H1201 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:16 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
  • 1 Kings 15:33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years.
  • 1 Kings 16:12 Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • 2 Kings 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.