1 Kings 13:34

KJV

And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut [it] off, and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this thing {H1697} became sin {H2403} unto the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379}, even to cut it off {H3582}, and to destroy {H8045} it from off the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This brought sin to the house of Yarov'am that would eventually cut it off and destroy it from the face of the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth.

American Standard Version

And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:34 serves as a grim pronouncement of divine judgment against King Jeroboam, declaring that his persistent and unrepentant establishment of idolatrous worship became the direct cause of his dynasty's utter destruction. This verse encapsulates the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion and institutionalized sin, signaling the complete annihilation of Jeroboam's lineage and royal house from the face of the earth as a direct result of his defiance of God's commands and prophetic warnings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a pivotal narrative arc concerning Jeroboam's spiritual apostasy and God's response. Immediately preceding it, [1 Kings 13:33](/1_kings/13-33 "1 Kings 13:33 - Jeroboam's Continued Disobedience") explicitly states Jeroboam's unyielding refusal to "turn from his evil way," despite a powerful prophetic encounter and miraculous signs (the altar splitting, his hand withering and being restored). The prophet from Judah had delivered a stern warning against the idolatrous altar at Bethel and Jeroboam's unauthorized priesthood, even predicting Josiah by name. Jeroboam's subsequent actions, including inviting the prophet to his house and his continued adherence to his false religious system, demonstrate a profound hardening of heart. Thus, [1 Kings 13:34](/1_kings/13-34 "1 Kings 13:34 - The Consequence of Jeroboam's Sin") functions as the divine verdict, a direct consequence of his stubborn disobedience, setting the stage for the swift fulfillment of this judgment in the subsequent chapters of [1 Kings](/1_kings/14 "1 Kings 14 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, Jeroboam, as the first king of Israel, faced the political challenge of securing his new kingdom. Fearing that his subjects would return to Jerusalem for worship, thereby shifting their allegiance back to Rehoboam and the Davidic dynasty, Jeroboam established alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan. At these sites, he erected golden calves, reminiscent of the idolatry at Mount Sinai, and appointed non-Levitical priests, directly violating the Mosaic Law (cf. [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")). This was not merely a political maneuver but a profound theological transgression, an institutionalized breach of the covenant. The cultural backdrop includes a pervasive temptation towards syncretism and idolatry among ancient Near Eastern nations, making Jeroboam's actions a dangerous precedent that would plague the northern kingdom throughout its history.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding [1 Kings 13:34](/1_kings/13-34 "1 Kings 13:34 - The Consequence of Jeroboam's Sin") is rich with several critical themes. Foremost is the **consequences of persistent disobedience**, particularly in leadership, where Jeroboam's refusal to repent despite clear divine warnings leads to catastrophic dynastic judgment. His actions highlight the theme of **idolatry and false worship** as a direct affront to God's exclusive claim to worship, establishing a pattern of apostasy that would define the northern kingdom. The verse also underscores the theme of **divine justice and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment**, demonstrating that God's word, once declared, will inevitably come to pass. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the **far-reaching impact of a leader's sin**, as Jeroboam's personal rebellion leads to the complete eradication of his "house" or dynasty, affecting generations to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭāʾt'_):** The word חַטָּאת (_chaṭṭāʾt_) here carries a dual meaning, referring not only to the act of transgression itself but also to its consequence or penalty. In this context, Jeroboam's "thing" (his idolatrous system) did not merely _result_ in sin, but it _became_ the very instrument and cause of his downfall. It signifies that the inherent nature of his actions was so grievous that it embodied the judgment itself, acting as the catalyst for his house's destruction.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kārat'_):** The verb כָּרַת (_kārat_) is a strong term often used in the Old Testament to describe the severing of a covenant, the destruction of a people, or the termination of a lineage. Here, it conveys a decisive and irreversible act of divine judgment, implying the complete termination of Jeroboam's dynastic line. It's a legal and existential cutting off, ensuring no heir would continue his reign.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _šāmad'_):** The verb שָׁמַד (_šāmad_) signifies utter annihilation, eradication, or extermination. When paired with "cut off," it intensifies the sense of complete and final judgment. It suggests not just the end of the dynasty but its total obliteration, leaving no remnant or memory, effectively wiping it "from off the face of the earth."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam":** This clause identifies Jeroboam's "thing" – his establishment of the golden calves and unauthorized priesthood – as the direct, active cause of the judgment. It wasn't just a sin, but it _became_ the very means by which sin's destructive power was unleashed upon his entire lineage ("the house of Jeroboam"). This highlights the institutionalized nature of his rebellion and its pervasive, damning effect on his family and future.
* **"even to cut [it] off":** This phrase specifies the nature of the judgment: the complete and decisive termination of Jeroboam's dynasty. The "it" refers to his "house," indicating that the consequences of his sin would lead to the severing of his royal line, preventing any descendant from inheriting the throne. It underscores the divine decree of dynastic removal.
* **"and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth":** This final clause intensifies the judgment, signifying total annihilation. It implies not just the end of the dynasty's rule but its complete eradication from existence, leaving no trace or memory. This hyperbole emphasizes the severity and finality of God's wrath against such profound and persistent rebellion, ensuring no legacy of Jeroboam's apostasy would endure through his descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "destroy [it] from off the face of the earth," emphasizing the absolute and complete annihilation of Jeroboam's dynasty beyond mere political overthrow. This exaggeration underscores the severity of God's judgment. **Metonymy** is present in "the house of Jeroboam," where "house" stands for his entire lineage, family, and royal dynasty, indicating that the sin of the leader would bring consequences upon his entire familial and political structure. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the swift and brutal fulfillment of this prophecy in subsequent chapters, particularly in [1 Kings 14](/1_kings/14 "1 Kings 14 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam"), where Jeroboam's son Nadab is assassinated, ending his line. Finally, the entire statement serves as a powerful declaration of **Divine Retribution**, illustrating the principle that persistent rebellion against God inevitably leads to severe and comprehensive judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 13:34 profoundly illustrates the principle that unrepentant sin, particularly when institutionalized and led by those in authority, carries devastating and far-reaching consequences. Jeroboam's deliberate choice to prioritize political expediency over divine command, establishing a false worship system, became the very instrument of his family's downfall. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His intolerance for idolatry and spiritual compromise. The judgment against Jeroboam's house serves as a stark warning that God's patience has limits and that His justice will ultimately prevail, even against powerful rulers. It underscores the immense responsibility of leadership, where the spiritual choices of those in power can profoundly affect not only themselves but also generations to come.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Joshua 7:24-25](/joshua/7-24 "Joshua 7:24-25 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a sober reminder of the gravity of spiritual compromise and the enduring consequences of persistent rebellion against God's clear commands. For individuals, it challenges us to examine areas where we might be prioritizing convenience, fear, or worldly gain over wholehearted obedience to God. Are there "things" in our lives that, while seemingly practical or politically astute, are in fact leading us away from God and becoming a source of spiritual decay? For leaders, whether in the church, family, or society, the message is even more pronounced: the choices made in positions of influence have profound and often generational impacts. Compromising truth or leading others into spiritual error can have devastating, far-reaching consequences. We are called to heed God's warnings, repent swiftly when convicted, and pursue genuine, uncompromising faithfulness, trusting that true security and blessing come only from obedience to Him, not from human schemes or self-preservation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise God's truth for personal gain or perceived security?**
* **How do my personal choices, especially if I am in a leadership role, impact those around me and potentially future generations?**
* **What specific "warnings" from God (through Scripture, conscience, or circumstances) might I be ignoring, and what might be the long-term consequences of such neglect?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of swift repentance and unwavering obedience, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ

**What was "this thing" that became sin unto the house of Jeroboam?**

Answer: "This thing" refers to King Jeroboam's deliberate establishment of alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, and his appointment of non-Levitical priests. He did this out of political fear, believing that if his subjects continued to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, their allegiance would return to the Davidic dynasty in Judah. This act was a direct violation of God's commands against idolatry and unauthorized priesthood, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry"). It was not just a single sin, but an institutionalized system of apostasy that became the very cause of his dynasty's downfall.

**How was the judgment against Jeroboam's house fulfilled?**

Answer: The judgment pronounced in [1 Kings 13:34](/1_kings/13-34 "1 Kings 13:34 - The Consequence of Jeroboam's Sin") was swiftly and completely fulfilled. As prophesied by the prophet Ahijah in [1 Kings 14:7-11](/1_kings/14-7 "1 Kings 14:7-11 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam"), Jeroboam's son, Nadab, reigned for only two years before being assassinated by Baasha, who then utterly destroyed Jeroboam's entire household, leaving no one alive, "according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite" (cf. [1 Kings 15:27-30](/1_kings/15-27 "1 Kings 15:27-30 - Fulfillment of the Prophecy")). This demonstrates the certainty and severity of divine justice against persistent rebellion and idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 13:34 highlights the severe consequences of human sin and rebellion under the Old Covenant, it ultimately points to the profound need for a different kind of King and a perfect High Priest. Jeroboam's failure to lead his people in true worship, instead establishing a system of sin that led to his dynasty's destruction, underscores the brokenness of human leadership and the inability of the Law to truly save. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the ultimate King, whose reign is eternal and whose "house" or lineage will never be cut off (cf. [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Jesus")). He is also the perfect High Priest, who offered himself as the one true sacrifice, forever taking away sin, unlike Jeroboam's unauthorized and ineffective priesthood (cf. [Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")). The judgment against Jeroboam's "sin" (חַטָּאת) finds its ultimate resolution in Christ, who became "sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the tragic end of Jeroboam's house serves as a dark backdrop, illuminating the glorious and enduring salvation offered through the perfect obedience and sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:29

And it came to pass, when he reigned, [that] he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:

1 Kings 15:30

Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger.

1 Kings 14:10

Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

1 Kings 12:30

And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan.

2 Kings 17:21

For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.

2 Kings 10:31

But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

1 Kings 12:26

And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: