BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 1 Kings 11  › 1 Kings 11:37

1 Kings 11:37

← 1 Kings 11:36 1 Kings 11:38 →

1 Kings 11:37 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But as for you, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires, and you will be king over Israel.

King James Version KJV

And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.

American Standard Version ASV

And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And you I will take, and you will be king over Israel, ruling over whatever is the desire of your soul.

Free Bible Version FBV

I will take you, and you shall reign over everything that you want. You will be king over Israel.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I wil take thee, and thou shalt reigne, euen as thine heart desireth, and shalt be King ouer Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And thee I take, and thou hast reigned over all that thy soul desireth, and thou hast been king over Israel;

World English Bible WEB

I will take you, and you shall reign according to all that your soul desires, and shall be king over Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign over all that thy soul desireth, and thou shalt be king over Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

I will enable you to become the king of Israel, and you will rule over all the territory that you want to.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 11:37

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 11:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אֹתְ/ךָ֣ אֶקַּ֔ח וּ/מָ֣לַכְתָּ֔ בְּ/כֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר תְּאַוֶּ֖ה נַפְשֶׁ֑/ךָ וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ מֶּ֖לֶךְ עַל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/אֹתְ/ךָ֣ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM | Suff
אֶקַּ֔ח lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וּ/מָ֣לַכְתָּ֔ mâlak H4427 to reign Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בְּ/כֹ֥ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
תְּאַוֶּ֖ה ʼâvâh H183 to desire V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
נַפְשֶׁ֑/ךָ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 11:37

וְ/אֹתְ/ךָ֣ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶקַּ֔ח lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וּ/מָ֣לַכְתָּ֔ mâlak H4427 "to reign" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
בְּ/כֹ֥ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תְּאַוֶּ֖ה ʼâvâh H183 "to desire" V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
נַפְשֶׁ֑/ךָ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 11:37

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 14:26 Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household.
2 1 Kings 11:26 Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king,
3 2 Samuel 3:21 Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

1 Kings 11:37 Summary

In 1 Kings 11:37, God promises to make Jeroboam king over Israel, giving him the authority and power to rule over His people. This means that God will fulfill the desires of Jeroboam's heart, as long as he follows God's commands and ways, similar to the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. This verse reminds us that God is a promise-keeper and that He desires to bless us and give us good things, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. As we trust and obey God, we can experience His blessings and fulfillment in our own lives, just like Jeroboam and David did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to take someone and make them king over Israel?

In 1 Kings 11:37, God is speaking to Jeroboam, promising to make him king over Israel, which means God will give him the authority and power to rule over His people, as seen in other instances like Genesis 41:39-40 where God gave Joseph authority over Egypt.

How does this verse relate to God's promise to David?

This verse is connected to God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promised to establish David's throne forever, and here in 1 Kings 11:37, God is fulfilling that promise by making a way for David's descendants to continue, even as He disciplines them.

What does it mean to 'reign over all that your heart desires'?

In this context, it means that God will give Jeroboam the desires of his heart, which is to be king over Israel, as God also did for David in 1 Samuel 23:5, where David was given the desire of his heart to be king over Judah.

Is this promise to Jeroboam unconditional?

No, as seen in the next verse, 1 Kings 11:38, this promise is conditional upon Jeroboam listening to God's commands and following His ways, similar to the condition given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, where obedience leads to blessing and disobedience leads to curse.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the desires of my heart, and are they aligned with God's will for my life?
  2. How can I, like Jeroboam, trust God to fulfill His promises in my life, even when the circumstances seem uncertain?
  3. In what ways can I, like David, be a servant of God and follow His commands to experience His blessings?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'reign' in my own life, and how can I use my authority and influence to glorify God?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 11:37

And I will take thee,.... From the low estate in which he was, to be king: and thou shall reign according to all that thy soul desireth; he being ambitious of the kingdom, and having already formed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 11:37

And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:37

I will take thee, and place thee in the throne, as it follows. According to all that thy soul desireth; he secretly taxeth him for his ambitious and aspiring mind.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:37

1 Kings 11:37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.Ver. 37. And thou shalt reign.] This the bramble held a goodly business, not so the vine and fig tree. According to all that thy soul desireth.] God oft gratifieth the wicked for a mischief to them; filling their bellies with his hid treasure, which they must afterwards vomit up again with pain enough.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:37

(31, 39) Take thee ten pieces.—The message delivered by Ahijah first repeats exactly the former warning to Solomon (1 Kings 11:9-13), marking, by the two reserved pieces of the garment, the duality of the “one tribe” reserved for the house of David; next, it conveys to Jeroboam a promise like that given to David (so far as it was a temporal promise), “to build thee a sure house, as I built for David,” on condition of the obedience which David, with all his weakness and sin, had shown, and from which Solomon, in spite of all his wisdom, had fallen away; and lastly, declares, in accordance with the famous declaration of 2 Samuel 7:14-16, that sin in the house of David should bring with it severe chastisement, but not final rejection. In estimating the “sin of Jeroboam,” the existence of this promise of security and blessing to his kingdom must be always taken into consideration.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:37

Verse 37. According to all that thy soul desireth] It appears from this that Jeroboam had affected the kingdom, and was seeking for an opportunity to seize on the government. God now tells him, by his prophet, what he shall have, and what he shall not have, in order to prevent him from attempting to seize on the whole kingdom, to the prejudice of the spiritual seed of David.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 11:37

37. according to all that thy soul desireth] Or (as margin R.V.) ‘over all &c.’ The prophet was, as it appears, aware of Jeroboam’s ambition. Events were leading up to the coming separation of the kingdoms, and there may have been many opportunities for Jeroboam to disclose his desires and aims.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:37

37. According to all that thy soul desireth — From this we may infer that Jeroboam already had an eye to the throne, and his soul yearned for regal power.

Sermons on 1 Kings 11:37

SermonDescription
G. Campbell Morgan The Message of 1 Kings by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the contrast between the failing government of man and the unfailing government of God as depicted in 1 Kings. He illustrates how human attempts at go
← 1 Kings 11:36 1 Kings 11:38 →

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate