Old Testament
1 Kings 15:34
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a king who chose to do wrong in the eyes of God.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He did evil in the sight of the LORD, following the ways of Jeroboam and committing the same sins that led Israel to sin.
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a king who chose to do wrong in the eyes of God. He followed the example set by Jeroboam, who had previously led the people of Israel into sin. This king didn’t just make mistakes; he actively committed the same wrongdoings that had caused others to stray from their faith. His actions reflect a pattern of behavior that disregards the values and teachings that should guide a leader. By choosing to imitate Jeroboam, he not only harmed himself but also influenced the entire nation negatively. This highlights the importance of leadership and the impact one person's choices can have on many. It serves as a reminder that our actions can lead others astray or guide them toward righteousness. Ultimately, this king's legacy is one of failure, showing how critical it is to choose wisely whom we follow and what paths we take in life. Our decisions matter, and they can shape the lives of those around us significantly. We must strive to make choices that reflect goodness and integrity. Explore related fear.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Kings 15:34 to your life
Consider the leaders in your life and the examples they set. Are they guiding you toward positive choices? Reflect on your own actions and how they might influence others. Strive to be a positive role model, making decisions that uplift and inspire those around you. Your choices matter more than you think, so choose wisely every day.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 15:34 mean?
1 Kings 15:34 describes a king who did wrong in God's eyes by following Jeroboam's sinful example. His actions not only reflected his personal failure but also negatively influenced the entire nation of Israel.
What is the significance of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 15:34?
Jeroboam is significant in this verse as he represents a bad example of leadership. The king mentioned in 1 Kings 15:34 followed Jeroboam's ways, which had previously led Israel into sin, highlighting the dangers of poor leadership.
How does 1 Kings 15:34 relate to leadership?
1 Kings 15:34 illustrates the impact of leadership on a community. The king's decision to follow Jeroboam's sinful ways not only affected his own life but also led the nation of Israel into further sin, emphasizing the responsibility leaders have.
What lessons can we learn from 1 Kings 15:34?
From 1 Kings 15:34, we learn the importance of choosing good role models and the consequences of following bad examples. It serves as a reminder that our actions can influence others, and we should strive to make positive choices.

The Book of 1 Kings
1 Kings 1: Solomon Becomes King
As King David is old and frail, his fourth son, Adonijah, makes a bid for the throne. He gathers the support of Joab, David's long-time military commander, and Abiathar the priest, and begins to act as king, complete with a royal procession. However, he does not invite the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, Benaiah (the captain of David's personal guard), or his own half-brother, Solomon.
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