1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 19
And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּמְצָא֙
found
H4672
וַיִּמְצָא֙
found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
הֲדַ֥ד
And Hadad
H1908
הֲדַ֥ד
And Hadad
Strong's:
H1908
Word #:
2 of 15
hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title
חֵ֛ן
favour
H2580
חֵ֛ן
favour
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
3 of 15
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
מְאֹ֑ד
great
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
great
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וַיִּתֶּן
so that he gave
H5414
וַיִּתֶּן
so that he gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲח֖וֹת
the sister
H269
אֲח֖וֹת
the sister
Strong's:
H269
Word #:
11 of 15
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
אֲח֖וֹת
the sister
H269
אֲח֖וֹת
the sister
Strong's:
H269
Word #:
13 of 15
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 7:10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.Genesis 39:21But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.Genesis 41:45And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.Genesis 39:4And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.