Keraia
1 Kings 16

1 Kings 16:34

Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel · 1 Kings 16:29–34
Read 1 Kings 16

Translations

Modern
In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Joshua son of Nun.
Traditional
In his days did Hiel the Beth–elite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
Literal
In his days, Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho. With Abiram his firstborn He laid its foundation, and with Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word of YHWH that He had spoken by the hand of Joshua son of Nun.
Latin
In diebus ejus ædificavit Hiel de Bethel Jericho: in Abiram primitivo suo fundavit eam, et in Segub novissimo suo posuit portas ejus, juxta verbum Domini quod locutus fuerat in manu Josue filii Nun.

Original

Hebrew
English
In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Joshua son of Nun.

Notes

1 Kings 16:34

  • Despite Joshua's curse on Jericho (Joshua 6:26–27), people sometimes lived there before Hiel rebuilt it (see Judges 3:13; 2 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 19:5), as shown by archaeological digs. Hiel's actions show Israel's spiritual decline.

  • he laid its foundation … Segub: The Targum (an Aramaic translation with explanations for Jews who no longer knew Hebrew after the exile in Babylon) says that Hiel sacrificed his sons as foundation offerings, following pagan practices. Others believe his sons died from disease or accident. The Hebrew wording may also be a merism (a figure of speech using two extremes to mean the whole), which would suggest that all of Hiel’s sons died.

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Jezebel

People

Abiram: Firstborn son of Hiel the Bethelite Hiel: The Bethelite who rebuilt Jericho Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan Nun: Father of Joshua Segub: Son of Hiel the Bethelite

Places

Bethel: Important city in Israel, associated with Abraham and Jacob Jericho: An ancient city in Canaan, famously conquered by Israel

Glossary

Abiram Bethel (Place), Bethelite Curse, Cursed Hiel Jericho Joshua, Book of Kings, Books of First and Second Moabite Stone Segub

Topics

Abiram: Son of Hiel Foundation: Laid For: Cities Hiel: Rebuilder of Jericho Jericho: A City East of Jerusalem and Near the Jordan River: Rebuilt by Hiel Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Concerning the Rebuilding of Jericho Segub: Son of Hiel, the Rebuilder of Jericho