1 Kings 11 20

1 Kings 11:20 kjv

And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh.

1 Kings 11:20 nkjv

Then the sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house. And Genubath was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh.

1 Kings 11:20 niv

The sister of Tahpenes bore him a son named Genubath, whom Tahpenes brought up in the royal palace. There Genubath lived with Pharaoh's own children.

1 Kings 11:20 esv

And the sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house. And Genubath was in Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh.

1 Kings 11:20 nlt

She bore him a son named Genubath. Tahpenes raised him in Pharaoh's palace among Pharaoh's own sons.

1 Kings 11 verses

1 Kings 11 20 Meaning

This verse details the offspring of Hadad the Edomite, an adversary to King Solomon, specifically stating that Hadad's wife, Tahpenes, Pharaoh's sister, gave birth to their son, Genubath. It further explains that Genubath was weaned within Pharaoh's household, signifying his upbringing in the royal court among the Pharaoh's own children, thus cementing Hadad's elevated and secure position due to his ties with the Egyptian monarchy.

1 Kings 11 20 Context

Verse Context:1 Kings 11:20 immediately follows the description of Hadad the Edomite, who fled to Egypt as a child during David's conquest of Edom. In Egypt, Hadad found favor with Pharaoh, marrying Pharaoh's sister-in-law, Tahpenes (v. 19). Verse 20 provides the concrete fruit of this alliance: the birth and weaning of their son, Genubath, within the Egyptian royal household. This detail underscores Hadad's deep integration and elevated status in Egypt, positioning him strongly for his eventual return to challenge Solomon.

Chapter Context (1 Kings 11):Chapter 11 marks a crucial turning point in Solomon's reign, focusing on his downfall due to his many foreign wives leading him astray into idolatry. Because of Solomon's unfaithfulness, the Lord "raised up" adversaries against him. Hadad the Edomite is the first of these adversaries, followed by Rezon of Zobah (v. 23) and eventually Jeroboam (v. 26). The detailed account of Hadad's background, including his son's upbringing, highlights the providence of God in preparing the instruments of His judgment. This chapter directly links Solomon's sin (v. 4-8) with the subsequent divine judgment of division in his kingdom (v. 11-13) and the emergence of enemies.

Historical Context:During David's reign, Edom had been decisively conquered and oppressed (2 Sam 8:13-14). Hadad represents the legitimate line of Edomite royalty, signifying the deep-seated resentment and desire for restoration among the Edomites. Pharaoh's reception and nurturing of Hadad and his family showcase the political dynamics of the era, where exiled royalty could be used as pawns in regional power struggles. The Egyptian court would offer refuge and even status to those who could potentially destabilize rival kingdoms like Israel, especially as Israel's power grew under Solomon. Solomon's own marriage alliance with Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kgs 3:1) makes the Egyptian court's fostering of an adversary like Hadad particularly ironic, exposing the limitations of political alliances apart from faithfulness to God.

1 Kings 11 20 Word analysis

• And she bore him (wa-tteləd, וַתֵּלֶד): The verb means "to give birth." This marks the significant event of the continuation of Hadad's royal line, establishing a tangible link between him, Egyptian royalty, and the future generation. It highlights the successful integration of Hadad into the Egyptian court through marriage, not just asylum.
• Genubath (Genuvat, גְּנֻבַת): This proper noun is a unique name, likely Egyptian in origin or perhaps a Hebrew rendering with a less clear etymology, but it represents the son born of the Edomite prince and Pharaoh's sister. The fact he is named indicates his recognition and formal position within this significant family.
• His son: Explicitly identifies Genubath as Hadad's male heir, crucial for the continuity of a royal line.
• And Genubath was weaned (wa-ttigmelēhû, וַתִּגְמְלֵהוּ): The Hebrew verb gamal (גָּמַל) refers to weaning. Weaning in ancient Israel and the Near East typically occurred between two and three years of age and was often marked by a celebration, signifying a child's transition from infancy to early childhood, and a period of greater independence. This detail confirms Genubath survived infancy and reached a stable developmental stage, ready for life away from direct maternal care, strengthening Hadad's dynastic claims.
• Pharaoh gave him into Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh: This phrase underscores the child's complete integration into the most prestigious environment in the ancient Near East – the Egyptian royal palace. This was more than just hospitality; it indicates adoption into the royal court, providing security, education, and royal status. This act by Pharaoh was a strategic move, signaling a deep investment in Hadad's family and potentially grooming Genubath as a future ally or even puppet ruler if Hadad were to reclaim Edom. It also points to the diplomatic gift of an alliance (represented by the son).

1 Kings 11 20 Bonus section

• The fact that Genubath is never mentioned again after this verse might suggest that his role was primarily to solidify Hadad's prestige and strategic position within Egypt, providing him with a "why to return" – a secure family and royal heir – to Edom. His personal impact on the narrative is therefore secondary to what his birth signifies about Hadad's standing.
• The detail of weaning highlights a practical concern for succession in royal lines: ensuring male heirs survive infancy. Pharaoh's provision ensures this.
• Pharaoh’s generosity towards Hadad stands in contrast to Solomon’s growing isolation due to his spiritual decline, ironically showing how God's hand works even through human political maneuverings to fulfill His judgments against disobedient kings.

1 Kings 11 20 Commentary

1 Kings 11:20 is a seemingly small detail in the larger narrative, yet it powerfully reinforces the divinely orchestrated consequence of Solomon's unfaithfulness. By marrying Pharaoh's sister, Hadad gained an indispensable alliance that secured his royal line through Genubath. The description of Genubath being weaned and raised "among the sons of Pharaoh" is not incidental; it portrays the ultimate expression of royal favor and secure integration. This elevated upbringing within the powerful Egyptian court positioned Genubath not only as a legitimate heir but also as a political asset. This detail subtly yet strongly demonstrates God's long-term plan to raise adversaries. While Hadad would return to cause trouble, the safety and royal education of his son ensure that the threat to Solomon’s kingdom (and later to the divided kingdom's integrity, with Edom frequently rebelling) was a sustained, dynastic one, nurtured even under the nose of Israel's supposed ally, Pharaoh. The verse quietly confirms the potent threat rising against Solomon's rule, a testament to the fact that God’s judgment for sin is both certain and multifaceted, often employing unexpected instruments, even those born from alliances Solomon himself pursued.