New International VersionIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years.
New Living TranslationAhab son of Omri began to rule over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria twenty-two years.
English Standard VersionIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
Berean Standard BibleIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years.
King James BibleAnd in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.
New King James VersionIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel; and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
New American Standard BibleNow Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-two years.
NASB 1995Now Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
NASB 1977 Now Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
Legacy Standard Bible Now Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
Amplified BibleAhab the son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-two years.
Christian Standard BibleAhab son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Judah’s King Asa; Ahab son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAhab son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Judah’s King Asa; Ahab son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria 22 years.
American Standard VersionAnd in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.
Contemporary English VersionAhab son of Omri became king of Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa's rule in Judah, and he ruled 22 years from Samaria.
English Revised VersionAnd in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAhab, son of Omri, began to rule Israel in Asa's thirty-eighth year as king of Judah. He ruled for 22 years in Samaria.
Good News TranslationIn the thirty-eighth year of the reign of King Asa of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he ruled in Samaria for twenty-two years.
International Standard VersionOmri's son Ahab became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of King Asa of Judah. He reigned over Israel in Samaria for 22 years.
NET BibleIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa's reign over Judah, Omri's son Ahab became king over Israel. Ahab son of Omri ruled over Israel for twenty-two years in Samaria.
New Heart English BibleIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years.
World English BibleIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel. Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Ahab son of Omri has reigned over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab son of Omri reigns over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years,
Young's Literal Translation And Ahab son of Omri hath reigned over Israel in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab son of Omri reigneth over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Ahab son of Omri, reigned over Israel in the year the thirty and eighth year to Asa king of Judah: and Ahab son of Omri will reign over Israel in Shomeron twenty and two years. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow Achab the son of Amri reigned over Israel in the eight and thirtieth year of Asa king of Juda. And Achab the son of Amri reigned over Israel in Samaria two and twenty years.
Catholic Public Domain VersionTruly, Ahab, the son of Omri, reigned over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa, the king of Judah. And Ahab, the son of Omri, reigned over Israel at Samaria for twenty-two years.
New American BibleAhab, son of Omri, became king of Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa, king of Judah. Ahab, son of Omri, reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-two years.
New Revised Standard VersionIn the thirty-eighth year of King Asa of Judah, Ahab son of Omri began to reign over Israel; Ahab son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel; and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Akhab, son of Amri, reigned over Israel. In the thirty eighth year of Asa King of Yehuda, Akhab, son of Amri, became king over Israel in Samaria for twenty and two years. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel; and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationIn the second year of Josaphat king of Juda, Achaab son of Ambri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel 29In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years. 30However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.…
Cross References 1 Kings 21:25-26(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel. / He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)
1 Kings 18:17-18When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” / “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.
1 Kings 21:20-22When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD. / This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. / I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’
2 Kings 9:7-9And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel. / The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel. / I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah.
2 Kings 10:18-28Then Jehu brought all the people together and said, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot. / Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal. / And Jehu commanded, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they announced it. ...
2 Chronicles 21:6And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 22:3-4Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in wickedness. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for to his destruction they were his counselors after the death of his father.
Micah 6:16You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations.”
Revelation 2:20But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.
Matthew 23:29-32Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. / And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ / So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. ...
Luke 11:47-51Woe to you! For you build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them. / So you are witnesses consenting to the deeds of your fathers: They killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. / Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ ...
Romans 11:3-4“Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? / And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
Hebrews 11:32-34And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
James 5:17-18Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.
1 Kings 16:24
And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria. Jump to Previous Ahab Asa Eighth Israel Judah Omri Reign Reigned Samaria Sama'ria Thirty Thirty-Eighth Twenty Twenty-TwoJump to Next Ahab Asa Eighth Israel Judah Omri Reign Reigned Samaria Sama'ria Thirty Thirty-Eighth Twenty Twenty-Two1 Kings 16 1. Jehu's prophecy against Baasha5. Elah succeeds him8. Zimri, conspiring against Elah, succeeds him11. Zimri executes Jehu's prophecy15. Omri, made king by the soldiers, forces Zimri desperately to burn himself21. The kingdom being divided, Omri prevails against Tibni23. Omri builds Samaria25. His wicked reign27. Ahab succeeds him29. Ahab's most wicked reign34. Joshua's curse upon Hiel the builder of JerichoIn the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over JudahThis phrase sets the historical context, placing Ahab's ascension to the throne of Israel during the reign of Asa, king of Judah. Asa was known for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, contrasting sharply with the idolatrous practices that would characterize Ahab's reign. This period marks a time of division between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, highlighting the political and spiritual divergence between the two. Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel
Ahab's father, Omri, was a significant figure who established a powerful dynasty in Israel. Omri's reign brought political stability and economic prosperity, but also increased idolatry, which Ahab would continue and expand. Ahab is often remembered for his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, which led to the introduction of Baal worship in Israel. This act of syncretism was a direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel, setting the stage for prophetic confrontations, particularly with Elijah. and he reigned in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by Omri. It was strategically located and became a center of political power and idolatrous worship. The city's archaeological remains reveal a blend of Israelite and Canaanite influences, reflecting the syncretism that characterized Ahab's reign. Samaria's significance is underscored in the biblical narrative as a place of both political intrigue and spiritual apostasy. twenty-two years
Ahab's relatively long reign allowed for the entrenchment of idolatrous practices and the establishment of alliances with surrounding nations, such as Phoenicia through his marriage to Jezebel. His reign is marked by significant events, including the confrontation with Elijah on Mount Carmel, where the power of Yahweh was demonstrated over Baal. Ahab's rule is a period of moral and spiritual decline, serving as a backdrop for prophetic ministry and divine judgment. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhabThe son of Omri, Ahab became the king of Israel and is known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel further away from God. 2. OmriAhab's father, who was also a king of Israel. Omri is noted for establishing Samaria as the capital of the Northern Kingdom. 3. AsaThe king of Judah during whose reign Ahab became king of Israel. Asa was known for his efforts to reform Judah and bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. 4. SamariaThe capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by Omri and the center of Ahab's reign. 5. IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, distinct from Judah, often characterized by its departure from the worship of Yahweh during the time of the divided monarchy. Teaching Points The Consequences of IdolatryAhab's reign is a stark reminder of the dangers of turning away from God and embracing idolatry. His actions led Israel into spiritual decline and eventual judgment. Leadership and InfluenceAhab's negative influence as a leader shows the importance of godly leadership. Leaders have the power to lead people toward or away from God. The Importance of ObedienceAhab's account underscores the importance of obeying God's commandments. Disobedience can have far-reaching consequences for both individuals and nations. The Role of ProphetsDuring Ahab's reign, prophets like Elijah played a crucial role in calling the people back to God. This highlights the importance of listening to and heeding God's messengers. The Impact of AlliancesAhab's marriage to Jezebel and alliances with pagan nations led to further idolatry. This serves as a warning about the influence of ungodly partnerships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 16:29?
2. How did Ahab's reign compare to previous kings in 1 Kings 16:29?
3. What lessons can we learn from Ahab's leadership in 1 Kings 16:29?
4. How does Ahab's reign foreshadow Israel's spiritual decline in later scriptures?
5. How can we avoid the pitfalls of Ahab's leadership in our lives?
6. What does Ahab's example teach about the consequences of ungodly leadership?
7. How does 1 Kings 16:29 reflect the political climate of ancient Israel?
8. What does Ahab's reign signify about Israel's spiritual state in 1 Kings 16:29?
9. How does archaeology support the historical accuracy of 1 Kings 16:29?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 16?
11. How does 1 Kings 19 fit with other biblical accounts of Elijah and the broader historical context, considering potential timeline or narrative discrepancies? (1 Kings 19)
12. What embodies Ahab's spirit?
13. (1 Kings 16:23–28) Why is there no clear archaeological evidence for Omri’s alleged accomplishments, given his recognized significance in Near Eastern inscriptions?
14. In Micah 3:9–10, how does the condemnation of corruption align with other accounts of Israel’s leadership in Kings or Chronicles? What Does 1 Kings 16:29 Mean In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah• Scripture grounds the narrative in real time. Asa ruled Judah for forty-one years (1 Kings 15:10), so Ahab’s accession falls near the end of Asa’s long, mostly godly reign (cf. 2 Chron 15:17). • By tying the northern king’s rise to a southern king’s reign, God’s Word lets us track His unfolding plan across two kingdoms that had split after Solomon (1 Kings 12:16–24). • The contrast is striking: while Asa “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (1 Kings 15:11), the coming verses reveal that Ahab will do the opposite. The chronological marker quietly underscores the moral divergence. • This also signals stability in Judah versus volatility in Israel, where six dynasties rise and fall during Asa’s lifetime (1 Kings 15–16).
Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel• Ahab inherits the throne from Omri, a politically successful but spiritually bankrupt ruler who “did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did more evil than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:25). • Omri’s alliance-building and city-founding (1 Kings 16:24) give Ahab a powerful platform. Yet Ahab will surpass his father’s wickedness: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:30). • Lineage matters. Omri’s legacy of compromise sets the stage for Ahab’s infamous marriage to Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31) and for state-sponsored Baal worship that echoes Jeroboam’s earlier sins (1 Kings 12:28–33; Micah 6:16). • The prophetic spotlight now turns to Elijah, whom God raises up precisely because of Ahab’s apostasy (1 Kings 17:1).
and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years• Samaria, purchased and fortified by Omri (1 Kings 16:24), replaces Tirzah as Israel’s capital. Its hilltop setting offers military strength yet soon becomes the hub of idolatry (2 Kings 17:5–6). • Twenty-two years is a long reign by northern standards, allowing Ahab’s policies to entrench themselves deeply—economically prosperous, spiritually disastrous. – National prosperity: alliances with Phoenicia (1 Kings 16:31) and military victories (1 Kings 20:13–34). – Spiritual decline: institutionalized Baal worship (1 Kings 18:19), persecution of prophets (1 Kings 18:4), and Naboth’s vineyard injustice (1 Kings 21). • God’s patience spans the entire reign, but His warnings are relentless: – A three-and-a-half-year drought announced by Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17). – Fiery confrontation on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36–39). – Prophetic judgments after Naboth’s murder (1 Kings 21:17–24). • Samaria’s eventual fall to Assyria (2 Kings 17:6) traces back to patterns solidified under Ahab; sin sown during his twenty-two years bears fruit generations later.
summary1 Kings 16:29 anchors Ahab’s rise to power in precise historical context, contrasting Judah’s comparatively faithful stability under Asa with Israel’s impending moral freefall under Ahab. It introduces a king whose lineage, location, and lengthy rule combine to intensify idolatry, provoke prophetic confrontation, and set the northern kingdom on a trajectory toward eventual exile. Verse 29. - And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah [see notes on ver. 23] began Ahab ["Father's brother." The name is apposite. He was Omri's alter ego in impiety] the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew In the thirty-eighthשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים (šə·lō·šîm)Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtiethyearבִּשְׁנַ֨ת (biš·naṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A yearof Asa'sלְאָסָ֖א (lə·’ā·sā)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 609: Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite namereignמֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A kingover Judah,יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four IsraelitesAhabוְאַחְאָ֣ב (wə·’aḥ·’āḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 256: Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophetsonבֶּן־ (ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A sonof Omriעָמְרִ֗י (‘ā·mə·rî)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6018: Omri -- a king of Israel, also several other Israelitesbecame kingמָלַךְ֙ (mā·laḵ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counselofעַל־ (‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, againstIsrael,יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descand he reignedוַ֠יִּמְלֹךְ (way·yim·lōḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counselin Samariaבְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן (bə·šō·mə·rō·wn)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8111: Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israeltwenty-twoעֶשְׂרִ֥ים (‘eś·rîm)Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentiethyears.שָׁנָ֔ה (šā·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year
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OT History: 1 Kings 16:29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
