1 Kings 11:2
Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
Original Language Analysis
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
1 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַגּוֹיִ֗ם
Of the nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֗ם
Of the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 25
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָה֩
concerning which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֩
concerning which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּנֵ֨י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֨י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבֹ֣אוּ
Ye shall not go in
H935
יָבֹ֣אוּ
Ye shall not go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 25
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבֹ֣אוּ
Ye shall not go in
H935
יָבֹ֣אוּ
Ye shall not go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
14 of 25
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אָכֵן֙
unto you for surely
H403
אָכֵן֙
unto you for surely
Strong's:
H403
Word #:
16 of 25
firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but
יַטּ֣וּ
they will turn away
H5186
יַטּ֣וּ
they will turn away
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
17 of 25
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם
their gods
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם
their gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
21 of 25
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
דָּבַ֥ק
clave
H1692
דָּבַ֥ק
clave
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
23 of 25
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
Cross References
Exodus 34:16And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.Revelation 2:4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.Malachi 2:11Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
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.