And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.

1 KINGS 16:9KJV
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1 Kings 16:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 16:9 mean?

1 Kings 16:9 describes how Zimri, a servant and military leader under King Elah, plotted against the king while Elah was in Tirzah, drinking heavily in the house of Arza, who managed the king’s household. The verse sets the scene for a betrayal that happens while the king is vulnerable and distracted by drunkenness.

This verse is part of a historical account where the writer explains the downfall of King Elah of Israel. The story highlights that Zimri, who was trusted as captain over half the king’s chariots, took advantage of Elah’s lack of vigilance. The mention of Tirzah and the house of Arza gives a specific location and context, showing the event happened in a private, familiar setting rather than on a battlefield.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 16:9

  • servant (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word often means a subordinate or official, not just a household servant. Here, it shows Zimri held a position of trust and authority under the king.
  • captain (שַׂר, sar): This term refers to a leader or chief, in this case, someone commanding a significant part of the military (half the chariots). Zimri’s role as "captain" emphasizes his influence and access.
  • conspired (קָשַׁר, qashar): This word means to plot or form a secret plan, usually for rebellion or treason. The use of this term shows Zimri’s actions were deliberate and hidden.
  • drinking (שָׁתָה, shatah) / drunk (שָׁכַר, shakar): These words highlight that Elah was not just drinking but was intoxicated, which made him vulnerable to attack.

Why 1 Kings 16:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Elah’s downfall was not on the battlefield but in a private, domestic setting, showing how internal betrayal can be as dangerous as outside threats.
  • The detail about Zimri’s position as captain over half the chariots underlines that the conspiracy came from someone with significant military power, not a minor figure.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme in 1 Kings of unstable leadership and frequent coups in Israel, helping readers understand the turbulent history of the northern kingdom.

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 16:16 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 Chronicles 2:6 And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.

“drunk” Hebrew H7910 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
  • Psalms 107:27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
  • Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

“half” Hebrew H4276 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 30:13 This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary:(a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:20 This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.
  • Numbers 31:47 Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“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.