1 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 30
And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אַחְאָ֧ב
And Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֧ב
And Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
2 of 10
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 10
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 #:
7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִכֹּ֖ל
H3605
מִכֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Kings 16:25But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all 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:1 Kings 21:25But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.2 Kings 3:2And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.
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
And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above 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.