1 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 25
But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
wrought
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּ֕רַע
and did worse
H7489
וַיָּ֕רַע
and did worse
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
מִכֹּ֖ל
H3605
מִכֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Micah 6:16For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.1 Kings 16:33And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.1 Kings 14:9But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:
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?
Analysis & Commentary
But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.
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.