1 Kings 12:30
1 Kings 12:30 in Multiple Translations
And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.
And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
And this thing became a sin; for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
And this became a sin in Israel; for the people went to give worship to the one at Beth-el, and to the other at Dan.
This action brought about sin, because the people went as far north as Dan to worship the idol there.
And this thing turned to sinne: for the people went (because of the one) euen to Dan.
and this thing becometh a sin, and the people go before the one — unto Dan.
This thing became a sin, for the people went even as far as Dan to worship before the one there.
And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even to Dan.
And this thing became an occasion of sin: for the people went to adore the calf as far as Dan.
So what Jeroboam did caused the people to sin. Some of them went and worshiped the calf at Bethel, and others went and worshiped the other calf at Dan.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:30
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 12:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֛י
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
לְ/חַטָּ֑את
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
הָ/עָ֛ם
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
עַד
דָּֽן
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
לְ/חַטָּ֑את
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
דָּֽן
Dân
H1835
Dan
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:30
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לְ/חַטָּ֑את
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Prep | N-fs
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
דָּֽן
Dân
H1835
"Dan"
N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 12:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:30
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:30
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
- Sermons on 1 Kings 12:30
Context — Jeroboam’s Idolatry
28After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
29One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.
30And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.
31Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites. 32And Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar; he made this offering in Bethel to sacrifice to the calves he had set up, and he installed priests in Bethel for the high places he had set up.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 17:21 | When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 13:34 | And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 10:31 | Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit. |
1 Kings 12:30 Summary
[This verse shows how the people of Israel started worshiping a false god, a golden calf, instead of the one true God. They would travel all the way to Dan to worship this idol, which was a sin. This happened because they were following a leader who wanted to keep them from worshiping in Jerusalem, as seen in 1 Kings 12:28. We can learn from this that it's easy to get distracted from what's truly important and start worshiping the wrong things, but we must prioritize seeking God's truth and worshiping Him in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4:24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the people walking as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves?
The people walking to Dan to worship the calf indicates their willingness to follow Jeroboam's idolatrous lead, despite God's warnings against idolatry in Deuteronomy 12:1-3 and Exodus 20:3-5.
Why did Jeroboam set up calves in Bethel and Dan?
Jeroboam set up the calves to keep the people from going to Jerusalem to worship, as stated in 1 Kings 12:28, and to consolidate his power over the kingdom, but this act became a sin, as it led the people away from true worship of God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?
This verse shows how easily idolatry can spread and become entrenched in a society, as people are drawn away from the one true God to worship false idols, a theme also seen in Romans 1:21-23 and Isaiah 44:9-20.
What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse?
We can learn that following man-made religious systems or traditions can lead us away from God's truth, as seen in Matthew 15:8-9, and that we must be careful to worship God in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'calves' that we might be tempted to worship, and how can we avoid idolatry in our own lives?
- How can we ensure that our worship is focused on the one true God, rather than on man-made traditions or idols?
- What role does deception play in leading people away from God's truth, and how can we protect ourselves from being deceived?
- In what ways can we prioritize seeking God's truth and worshiping Him in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4:24?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:30
And this thing became a sin,.... The cause and occasion of the sin of idolatry; it led them by degrees to leave off the worship of God, and to worship these calves as gods: for the people went to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:30
If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
A sin, i.e. a cause or occasion of great wickedness among that people; not only of idolatry, which is called sin by way of eminency; nor only of the worship of the calves, wherein they pretended to worship the true God; but also of the worship of Baal, and of the utter desertion of the true God, and of all sorts of impiety and abominable sins, as is manifest from the history of that kingdom; in which there was not one good king, and very few of the people who were not guilty of heinous crimes, as the prophets witness. The people went to worship: the king’ s counsel and example seduced them, though it did not excuse their sin; and they willingly walked after this his wicked commandment, . Unto Dan; which is not here mentioned exclusively, for that they went also to Beth-el is evident from ,33, but for other reasons; either because that of Dan was first made, or best frequented, the people in those parts having been long leavened with idolatry; see ; or to show the people’ s readiness to comply with the king’ s command, and their zeal for idols; that those who lived in or near Beth-el had not patience to stay till that calf was finished, but all of them were forward to go as far as Dan, which was in the utmost borders of the land, to worship an idol there, when it was thought too much for them to go to Jerusalem to worship God.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
1 Kings 12:30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan.Ver. 30. For the people went to worship.] At both places. Jeroboam’ s calves were no sooner up, than Israel is down on their knees. It is no marvel, saith one, if his subjects are brutish who hath made a calf his god.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
(30) Even unto Dan.—It has been thought that there is here a corruption of the text, and that words referring to Bethel have fallen out. But there is no sign of such variation in the LXX. (which only adds, in some MSS., “and deserted the house of the Lord”) or other versions. The reason of the mention of Dan only is probably that there the old sanctuary remained, and the priesthood was ready: hence, in this case, “the people went to worship” at once. The verses which follow describe the erection of a temple and the creation of a priesthood at Bethel, necessary before the inauguration of the new worship at what naturally became the more prominent and magnificent sanctuary. This temple is called a “house of high places,” partly perhaps from its actual position, partly to connect it with the use of “the high places” condemned in the Law. Indeed, as we have no notice of any time spent in building it, it is possible that some old “high place” was restored for the purpose.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:30
30. And this thing became a sin] Being in contradiction of the second commandment. for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan] It appears as though by these words it was intended to shew how fully the people were led astray. To far-off Dan even did they go. This had been associated with worship aforetime, though it was idolatrous. Judges 18:30. There was no need to point out that they went to Bethel. That had been a place of worship before, and in consequence had sacred associations. Of course they were not hard to persuade to go there. But Jeroboam’s device was successful in respect of the other shrine also. The LXX. adds to this verse ‘and they neglected the house of the Lord.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:30
This thing became a sin - i. e., this act of Jeroboam’s became an occasion of sin to the people.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:30
30. This thing became a sin — It was not designed to be idolatry, but it speedily ran into it.
Sermons on 1 Kings 12:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Is It Peace, Jehu? and He Answered, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the concept of true peace, emphasizing that it cannot exist alongside the distractions and sins represented by Jezebel in our lives. He warns against the superf |
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Commentary Notes - Ii Kings by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the Book of 2 Kings, highlighting the division of the book into two parts and the continuous history it provides of God's people. The message of the boo |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Kings by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' reflecting God's holiness and grace in our lives, as exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. He urges believers to be filled |