1 Kings 15 31

1 Kings 15:31 kjv

Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1 Kings 15:31 nkjv

Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1 Kings 15:31 niv

As for the other events of Nadab's reign, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?

1 Kings 15:31 esv

Now the rest of the acts of Nadab and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

1 Kings 15:31 nlt

The rest of the events in Nadab's reign and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel.

1 Kings 15 verses

1 Kings 15 31 Meaning

First Kings chapter 15 verse 31 summarizes the reign of King Baasha of Israel. It states that the full account of his actions, his deeds, and his military power is recorded in an existing historical source, "The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel." This verse acts as a conclusive summary statement for Baasha's rule, pointing the reader to a detailed secular or state record of his time, in keeping with the common historical structure found throughout the books of Kings. It subtly contrasts human recording of mighty deeds with divine judgment of a king's reign, as seen elsewhere in the biblical narrative concerning Baasha.

1 Kings 15 31 Context

1 Kings chapter 15 focuses on the intertwined reigns of King Asa of Judah and the kings of Israel, beginning with Nadab, then Baasha. The verses preceding 15:31 describe Baasha's usurpation of the throne from Nadab (son of Jeroboam) by killing him and destroying Jeroboam's entire household, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite against Jeroboam (1 Kgs 14:10-14). This established Baasha as the new king of Israel. The immediate context of 15:31 serves as the standard concluding formula for a king's reign, directing the reader to a more exhaustive source for the king's full account. While "his might" (military strength) is mentioned, the biblical narrative often provides an implied critique by subsequently detailing how Baasha himself was condemned by God through the prophet Jehu for his own idolatry and for causing Israel to sin, demonstrating that human "might" holds little weight in divine judgment without obedience.

1 Kings 15 31 Word analysis

• Now: (וְיֶתֶר – ve·ye·ter) Connective particle emphasizing the transition from specific narratives about Baasha to a concluding summary. It indicates a continuation or an addition, implying there's more to be known beyond what's just been presented.
• the rest of the acts: (יֶתֶר דִּבְרֵי – ye·ter div·rei) Refers to the remaining, unmentioned details of his life and reign. "Acts" (divrei) broadly encompasses events, deeds, and words, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the record. This formulaic phrase appears frequently in Kings, marking the conclusion of a king's narrative.
• of Baasha: (בַּעֲשָׁא – Ba'asha) The name of the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who reigned for 24 years. His reign marked a shift in dynastic power, from Jeroboam's lineage to his own, obtained through violent means.
• and what he did: (וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה – ve·khol-asher asah) "All that he did," further reiterating the comprehensive scope of the recorded material, not just the "acts" but literally "everything which he did." This phrase underscores the extent of the historical accounting.
• and his might: (וּגְבוּרָתוֹ – u·gvurato) From the root גִּבּוֹר (gibbor), meaning "strength, valor, might, powerful deed." This specific word highlights Baasha's military and administrative capabilities, possibly reflecting his success in consolidating power and engaging in warfare, notably against Asa of Judah. While noted for its historical importance, from a theological perspective, human might is secondary to obedience to God, a recurring polemic in Kings against kings who trust in human strength over divine guidance.
• are they not written: (הֲלֹא־הֵם כְּתוּבִים – halo-hem ketuvim) A rhetorical question. It's a device that functions as a strong affirmative statement, assuring the reader that these accounts are indeed preserved and accessible. This serves to validate the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative itself, grounding it in publicly known records.
• in the Book: (עַל־סֵפֶר – al-sepher) "Book" (סֵפֶר – sepher) refers to a written scroll or volume. It signifies a formal, structured document or archive.
• of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel: (דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים לְמַלְכֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל – divrei hayyamim l'malchei Yisrael) Literally "the words/affairs of the days concerning the kings of Israel." This refers to a non-canonical, official state chronicle, an external historical source contemporary with the events. The repeated reference to this and the "Chronicles of the Kings of Judah" (for Judahite kings) underlines the biblical writers' reliance on and reference to broader historical archives, suggesting verifiable historical data and implying that the biblical account is a distilled, theologically purposeful narrative drawn from these more expansive records. The primary aim of the biblical text is theological (judgment based on covenant faithfulness), while these external books provide the raw, often politically and economically focused, data.

1 Kings 15 31 Bonus section

The recurring phrase "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel/Judah" is more than just a literary device; it signifies the meticulous approach of the biblical author (or compilers) in utilizing and referencing external, comprehensive records. This practice authenticates the historicity of the biblical account for its original audience, who may have had access to or knowledge of these very chronicles. It implies that the Books of Kings offer a selective, divinely inspired account of events, prioritizing the kings' adherence to the Mosaic covenant over their political or military successes. While "his might" (גְבוּרָה) might have filled many pages in the secular chronicles, the divine commentary in Kings distills Baasha's entire reign to his sin and the ensuing judgment, showing that true might or enduring legacy is found in covenant faithfulness, not worldly power. This is a subtle polemic against the notion that human achievements alone secure lasting significance or divine approval.

1 Kings 15 31 Commentary

1 Kings 15:31 serves as a typical colophon in the Deuteronomistic History, summarizing a king's reign before moving on. For King Baasha, this verse concisely points to a larger state chronicle for the detailed account of "the rest of his acts," "what he did," and importantly, "his might." While his military power and activities are acknowledged as recorded in human annals, the subsequent verses (1 Kgs 16:1-4) pivot to God's judgment, delivered through the prophet Jehu, on Baasha's spiritual failings—specifically, following the ways of Jeroboam by leading Israel into idolatry. This highlights a fundamental distinction in the Books of Kings: what is impressive in human eyes (like Baasha's strength or ability to seize power) is overshadowed by what matters to God (obedience to His covenant and purity of worship). The reference to an external chronicle subtly grounds the biblical narrative in verifiable historical accounts, even while its purpose is not merely secular history but theologically informed interpretation of events, showcasing the outworking of God's covenant blessings and curses upon His people and their kings.