1 Kings 16:24
And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֜קֶן
And he bought
H7069
וַיִּ֜קֶן
And he bought
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
1 of 23
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָהָ֥ר
of the hill
H2022
הָהָ֥ר
of the hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 23
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
מֵ֥אֶת
H853
מֵ֥אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּכִכְּרַ֣יִם
for two talents
H3603
בְּכִכְּרַ֣יִם
for two talents
Strong's:
H3603
Word #:
7 of 23
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
כָּ֑סֶף
of silver
H3701
כָּ֑סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
8 of 23
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָהָ֥ר
of the hill
H2022
הָהָ֥ר
of the hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
11 of 23
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וַיִּקְרָ֗א
and called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֗א
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
12 of 23
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁם
after the ~
H8034
שֶׁם
after the ~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
14 of 23
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הָעִיר֙
of the city
H5892
הָעִיר֙
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
15 of 23
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַ֣ל
H5921
עַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֶׁם
after the ~
H8034
שֶׁם
after the ~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
19 of 23
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
1 Kings 13:32For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Beth-el, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.1 Kings 22:37So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria.1 Kings 16:32And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.1 Kings 20:1And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.1 Kings 18:2And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.2 Kings 17:6In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.2 Kings 17:24And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.2 Kings 17:1In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.
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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
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 does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- 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
And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
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.