1 Kings 2:11
1 Kings 2:11 in Multiple Translations
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
David was king over Israel for forty years: for seven years he was king in Hebron and for thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
His reign over Israel lasted forty years; seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
And the dayes which Dauid reigned vpon Israel, were fourtie yeeres: seuen yeeres reigned he in Hebron, and thirtie and three yeeres reigned he in Ierusalem.
and the days that David hath reigned over Israel [are] forty years, in Hebron he hath reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem he hath reigned thirty and three years.
The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
And the days that David reigned in Israel, were forty years: in Hebron he reigned seven years, in Jerusalem thirty-three.
David had been the king of Israel for 40 years: He ruled for seven years in Hebron and for 33 years in Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:11
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 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/יָּמִ֗ים
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
מָלַ֤ךְ
דָּוִד֙
עַל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אַרְבָּעִ֖ים
שָׁנָ֑ה
בְּ/חֶבְר֤וֹן
מָלַךְ֙
שֶׁ֣בַע
שָׁנִ֔ים
וּ/בִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם
מָלַ֔ךְ
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
וְ/שָׁלֹ֖שׁ
שָׁנִֽים
וְ/הַ/יָּמִ֗ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Conj | Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מָלַ֤ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אַרְבָּעִ֖ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
forty
Adj
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
בְּ/חֶבְר֤וֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
Hebron (Valley)
Prep | N-proper
מָלַךְ֙
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
וּ/בִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Conj | Prep | N-proper
מָלַ֔ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
וְ/שָׁלֹ֖שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Adj
שָׁנִֽים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:11
וְ/הַ/יָּמִ֗ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Conj | Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
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.
מָלַ֤ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
אַרְבָּעִ֖ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
"forty"
Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
בְּ/חֶבְר֤וֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
"Hebron (Valley)"
Prep | N-proper
Hebron is a place in Palestine and also the name of two Israelites, one a descendant of Levi and the other of Caleb. It is first mentioned in the book of Genesis and is also referenced in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.
מָלַךְ֙
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וּ/בִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Conj | Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
מָלַ֔ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
וְ/שָׁלֹ֖שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
שָׁנִֽים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 2:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:11
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:11
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:11
- Sermons on 1 Kings 2:11
Context — David’s Reign and Death
9Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”
10Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David.
11The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
12So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established. 13Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 5:4–5 | David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 29:26–27 | David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. |
1 Kings 2:11 Summary
This verse, 1 Kings 2:11, tells us about the length of King David's reign over Israel, which was forty years. King David reigned in two different locations, Hebron and Jerusalem, and his reign marked an important era in Israel's history. We can learn from King David's example of faithfulness and trust in God, as seen in Psalms 23:1-4 and 2 Samuel 7:1-17, and apply it to our own lives, trusting God for our future and persevering in our faith journey, just as King David did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the length of King David's reign in 1 Kings 2:11?
The length of King David's reign is significant because it shows God's faithfulness to His promise to David, as stated in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, and it marks the end of an era in Israel's history, paving the way for Solomon's reign.
Why did King David reign in two different locations, Hebron and Jerusalem?
King David reigned in Hebron for seven years, as stated in 1 Kings 2:11, because that is where he was initially crowned king, but he later moved the capital to Jerusalem, which became the central location for worship and governance, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:6-12 and 1 Chronicles 11:1-9.
How does the length of King David's reign compare to other kings in the Bible?
King David's forty-year reign is notable for its length, as seen in 1 Kings 2:11, and it is comparable to the reigns of other notable kings in the Bible, such as King Solomon, who also reigned for forty years, as stated in 1 Kings 11:42.
What can we learn from the transition of power from King David to King Solomon?
The transition of power from King David to King Solomon, as seen in 1 Kings 2:10-12, teaches us about the importance of leadership, succession, and God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 21:1 and Isaiah 46:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has been faithful to you, just as He was faithful to King David, and how can you trust Him for the future?
- How can you apply the lessons of King David's reign to your own life, whether in leadership or in following God's plan?
- What are some ways that you can honor God's sovereignty, as seen in the transition of power from King David to King Solomon, in your own life and decisions?
- How can you use the example of King David's forty-year reign to persevere in your own faith journey, even when faced with challenges and difficulties?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:11
And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years,.... So says Eupolemus (s), an Heathen writer, which are thus reckoned: seven years reigned he in Hebron; the six months over are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:11
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:11
Seven years; more precisely, seven years and six months, ; but smaller sums are oft neglected in Scripture computations.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:11
1 Kings 2:11 And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.Ver. 11. Were forty years.] Scarce any king of Judah reigned so long. Our Queen Elizabeth reigned four and forty years, and lived about seventy years; having been the most glorious woman that ever swayed sceptre, as her very enemies acknowledged.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:11
11. seven years reigned he in Hebron] According to 2 Samuel 5:5 the time was seven years and six months. The Old Testament writers often in this way omit pieces of a year, and speak only of the full years. Cf. 1 Chronicles 29:27.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:11
Forty years - In all forty years and six months. See 2 Samuel 5:5, and 1 Chronicles 3:4. The Jewish writers almost universally omit the fractions of a year.
Sermons on 1 Kings 2:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 342 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of living and walking in the faith that all saints throughout history have lived by, emphasizing examples like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, |