1 Kings 16 27

1 Kings 16:27 kjv

Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he showed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1 Kings 16:27 nkjv

Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and the might that he showed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1 Kings 16:27 niv

As for the other events of Omri's reign, what he did and the things he achieved, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?

1 Kings 16:27 esv

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

1 Kings 16:27 nlt

The rest of the events in Omri's reign, the extent of his power, and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel.

1 Kings 16 verses

1 Kings 16 27 Meaning

This verse serves as a summary and conclusion to the biblical account of King Omri's reign over Israel. It points to other historical records ("the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel") for more extensive details about his deeds, his military strength and accomplishments, and specifically his major achievement of establishing Samaria as the new capital city. The brevity of this canonical summary, which mostly emphasizes Omri's sins in previous verses, suggests a theological framing of history where secular achievements are noted but are ultimately overshadowed by a king's spiritual standing before God.

1 Kings 16 27 Context

1 Kings chapter 16 depicts a period of extreme political instability and moral decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Prior to Omri, kings like Nadab, Baasha, Elah, and Zimri reigned for short, often violent periods, frequently ending in assassinations and coups. Omri himself came to power through a military coup, succeeding Zimri. His reign (verses 23-28) brought a degree of political stability and military might to Israel. He notably founded the city of Samaria, making it his capital (1 Ki 16:24), which became a powerful and enduring stronghold, though also a hub for idol worship. Despite his significant worldly accomplishments—his "might" and the building of Samaria—the biblical narrative prominently highlights that "Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, and acted more wickedly than all who were before him" (1 Ki 16:25), specifically following in "the way of Jeroboam" by promoting idolatry. Verse 27 concludes his account, pointing readers to a different source for further details on his secular achievements, while the biblical narrative maintains its focus on his spiritual and moral failures from God's perspective.

1 Kings 16 27 Word analysis

• Now the rest: This phrase (וְיֶתֶר – ve-yeter) indicates that the biblical author has presented the key theological and historical points, but acknowledges that more details exist in external sources. It highlights the selective nature of the biblical record.
• of the acts: The Hebrew word דִּבְרֵי (dibrey), meaning "words" or "affairs" or "deeds," refers to the overall events, decisions, and policies of Omri's reign. It encompasses the entirety of his rule.
• of Omri, which he did: Reinforces that the subject is Omri's active role and accomplishments during his time as king.
• and his might: The term גְּבוּרָתוֹ (gĕbūrātō) signifies his strength, power, and mighty deeds, particularly in military campaigns or administration. Omri was indeed a formidable ruler, noted in extra-biblical sources like the Mesha Stele, indicating his significant political and military impact on the region.
• that he showed: Implies that his strength was not just inherent but was actively demonstrated through his actions and policies.
• and how he built Samaria: This highlights one of Omri's most significant and lasting legacies. The Hebrew construction "building of Samaria" (וּבְנֹתוֹ אֶת־שֹׁמְרוֹן – u-venoto et Shomron) points to the detailed process of founding and developing this strategic city. Samaria, (שֹׁמְרוֹן - shomron), named after Shemer, from whom the hill was purchased, became the new capital of Israel and later a symbol of idolatry and prophetic judgment.
• are they not written: This rhetorical question implies affirmation that the information is indeed recorded elsewhere. It functions as a conventional historical citation method.
• in the book of the chronicles: The Hebrew phrase is סֵפֶר דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים (sefer dibrey ha-yamim), literally "the book of the words of the days." This refers to official state annals or historical records kept by the Northern Kingdom, which are distinct from the biblical Books of Chronicles (1 and 2 Chronicles) in the Hebrew canon. This demonstrates the biblical author's reliance on existing historical archives.
• of the kings of Israel? Specifies that these chronicles pertained to the Northern Kingdom (Israel), distinct from "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah." These separate records imply that the original source material for the Books of Kings was comprehensive, but the biblical author chose only specific information relevant to his theological purpose.

1 Kings 16 27 Bonus section

The recurrent phrase "Now the rest of the acts... are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel/Judah?" found extensively throughout 1 & 2 Kings, serves multiple crucial purposes for the biblical author:

• Validation of Historical Accuracy: It acts as an assurance to the original readers that the narrative presented is grounded in actual, more extensive historical records that were accessible at the time, lending credibility to the account.
• Focus on Thematic Selection: By directing the reader elsewhere for "the rest," the author deliberately signals that the biblical account is not exhaustive but selective. This allows the author to maintain focus on the theological message: how each king's reign impacts Israel's relationship with God, particularly regarding idolatry and covenant faithfulness, rather than providing a complete political history.
• Authorial Authority: It reinforces the author's prerogative to distill the vast details of secular history into a divinely inspired narrative that illuminates God's hand in history and His judgment.
• Guidance for Further Study (at the time): For the ancient audience, this might have been an invitation to consult these royal archives for additional details, showcasing the availability of official records that corroborate the biblical overview.

1 Kings 16 27 Commentary

1 Kings 16:27 is a concise closing statement on Omri's reign, typical of the historiographical style throughout the Books of Kings. The author acknowledges Omri's significant earthly accomplishments—his power and especially his founding of Samaria—but reserves elaboration for external, now lost, "chronicles." This brevity of description concerning his secular achievements, juxtaposed with the preceding verses' emphasis on his "doing evil in the sight of the LORD" and "acting more wickedly than all who were before him" (1 Ki 16:25), underscores the biblical author's theological perspective. For the divine historian, a king's administrative success or military might, while recognized, is secondary to their obedience or disobedience to the covenant with God. The true legacy is judged not by human records of power, but by faithfulness. Omri established a strong dynasty that influenced the region, but his spiritual failure ultimately set the stage for further sin under his son Ahab, deeply affecting the nation's spiritual well-being. This verse highlights the selective nature of inspired Scripture, focusing on what matters from God's viewpoint—the covenant relationship—even when earthly achievements are remarkable.