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This is what you should tell them: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/12-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/11_1Ki_12_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 12:10 - Rebellion Against Rehoboam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The young men who had grown up with him replied, This is how you should answer these people who said to you, 'Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.' This is what you should tell them: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/12-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/12-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm" title="1 Kings 12:9">◄</a> 1 Kings 12:10 <a href="/1_kings/12-11.htm" title="1 Kings 12:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_kings/12.htm">New International Version</a> The young men who had grown up with him replied, &#8220These people have said to you, &#8216Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.&#8217 Now tell them, &#8216My little finger is thicker than my father&#8217s waist. <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! <a href="/esv/1_kings/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. <a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you should speak to this people who have spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist! <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “This is what you should say to this people who spoke to you, saying: ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us!’ You should speak this way to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> The young men who grew up with him spoke to him, saying, &#8220Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, &#8216Your father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us!&#8217 But you shall speak to them, &#8216My little finger is thicker than my father&#8217s loins! <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the young men who grew up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us!’ But you shall speak to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins! <a href="/lsb/1_kings/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the young men who grew up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us!’ Thus you shall speak to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins! <a href="/amp/1_kings/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The young men who had grown up with him answered, “This is what you should say to this people who told you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but as for you, make our yoke lighter’—say this to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins [and my reign will be even more severe]. <a href="/csb/1_kings/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The young men who had grown up with him told him, “This is what you should say to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you, make it lighter on us! ’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the young men who had grown up with him told him, &#8220This is what you should say to these people who said to you, &#8216Your father made our yoke heavy, but you, make it lighter on us!&#8217 This is what you should tell them: &#8216My little finger is thicker than my father&#8217s loins! <a href="/asv/1_kings/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou speak unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father's loins. <a href="/cev/1_kings/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> His younger advisors said: Here's what we think you should say to them: "Compared to me, my father was weak. <a href="/erv/1_kings/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou speak unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father's loins. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The young men who had grown up with him answered, "This is what you should tell them: 'My little finger is heavier than my father's whole body. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> They replied, "This is what you should tell them: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist!' <a href="/isv/1_kings/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> "This is what you should tell these people who asked you 'Your father made our burden heavy, but you must make it lighter for us!'" the young men who grew up with Rehoboam replied. "Tell them, 'My little finger will be thicker than my father's whole body! <a href="/msb/1_kings/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The young men who had grown up with him replied, ?This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ?Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.? This is what you should tell them: ?My little finger is thicker than my father?s waist! <a href="/net/1_kings/12.htm">NET Bible</a> The young advisers with whom Rehoboam had grown up said to him, "Say this to these people who have said to you, 'Your father made us work hard, but now lighten our burden.' Say this to them: 'I am a lot harsher than my father! <a href="/nheb/1_kings/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, "Thus you shall tell this people who spoke to you, saying, 'Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it lighter to us;' you shall say to them, 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the young men that had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak to this people who spoke to thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter to us; thus shalt thou say to them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. <a href="/web/1_kings/12.htm">World English Bible</a> The young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Tell these people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it lighter to us’— tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And they speak to him—the boys who had grown up with him—saying, “Thus you say to this people who have spoken to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, and you, make [it] light on us; thus you speak to them, My little [finger] is thicker than the loins of my father; <a href="/ylt/1_kings/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And they speak unto him -- the lads who had grown up with him -- saying, 'Thus dost thou say to this people who have spoken unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, and thou, make it light upon us; thus dost thou speak unto them, My little finger is thicker than the loins of my father; <a href="/slt/1_kings/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the children which grew up with him will speak to him, saying, Thus shalt thou say to this people who spake to thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, do thou lighten from upon us; thus shalt thou speak to them, My littleness thick above my father's loins.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the young men that had been brought up with him, said: Thus shalt thou speak to this people, who have spoken to thee, saying: Thy father made our yoke heavy, do thou ease us. Thou shalt say to them: My little finger is thicker than the back of my father. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the young men who had been raised with him, said: “You shall speak in this way to this people, who have spoken to you, saying: ‘Your father weighed down our yoke. You should relieve us.’ You shall say this to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than the back of my father. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/12.htm">New American Bible</a> The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is what you must say to this people who have told you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy; you lighten it for us.’ You must say, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus you should say to this people who spoke to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must lighten it for us’; thus you should say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the young men who were grown up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus shall you speak to the people who have said to you, Your father made our yoke heavy, but make you it lighter for us; thus shall you say to them, My little finger is thicker than my father's thumb.<CL>So he went by another way, and did not return by the way that he came to Beth-el. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the boys who grew up with him said to him: “Thus say to the people who said to you, ”Your father hardened our yoke. You lighten it upon us.” Say to them, “My little finger is thicker than the thumb of my father.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the young men that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying: 'Thus shalt thou say unto this people that spoke unto thee, saying: Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou speak unto them: My little finger is thicker than my father's loins. <a href="/sep/1_kings/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the young men who had been brought up with him, who stood before his face, spoke to him, saying, Thus shalt thou say to this people who have spoken to thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, and do thou now lighten it from off us: thus shalt say to them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/12-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=4803" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Rebellion Against Rehoboam</a> …9He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” 10<a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: hay·lā·ḏîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">The young men</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1431.htm" title="1431: gā·ḏə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To grow up, become great. A primitive root; properly, to twist, i.e. To be large.">had grown up</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh- (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">“This is how</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ṯō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you should answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: lā·‘ām (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bə·rū (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">‘Your father</a> <a href="/hebrew/5923.htm" title="5923: ‘ul·lê·nū (N-msc:: 1cp) -- A yoke. Or mowl; from alal; a yoke, literally or figuratively.">made our yoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: hiḵ·bîḏ (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">heavy,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">but you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: hā·qêl (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">should make it lighter.’</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ā·lê·nū (Prep-m:: 1cp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">This is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: tə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">you should tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">them:</a> <a href="/hebrew/6995.htm" title="6995: qā·ṭān·nî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Little (finger). From qaton; a pettiness, i.e. The little finger.">‘My little finger</a> <a href="/hebrew/5666.htm" title="5666: ‘ā·ḇāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be thick, fat, or gross. A primitive root; to be dense.">is thicker</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">than my father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4975.htm" title="4975: mim·mā·ṯə·nê (Prep-m:: N-mdc) -- Loins. From an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins.">waist!</a> 11Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-10.htm">2 Chronicles 10:10-11</a> The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! / Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’” <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a> If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:16</a> Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. <a href="/isaiah/3-4.htm">Isaiah 3:4-5</a> “I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.” / The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable. <a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Isaiah 9:16</a> For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up. <a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? <a href="/jeremiah/23-22.htm">Jeremiah 23:22</a> But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.” <a href="/ezekiel/34-4.htm">Ezekiel 34:4</a> You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Matthew 23:4</a> They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a> So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ... <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Luke 22:25-27</a> So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29-30</a> I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a> For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the young men that were grown up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus shall you speak to this people that spoke to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, but make you it lighter to us; thus shall you say to them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.Thus shalt thou<a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7-13</a> And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time… <a href="/2_chronicles/10-10.htm">2 Chronicles 10:10,11</a> And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins… <a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a> Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.<a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Proverbs 18:6,7</a> A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/11-17.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-10.htm">Finger</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm">Lighter</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-10.htm">Thicker</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">Waist</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm">Yoke</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-10.htm">Finger</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-17.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-18.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-11.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-4.htm">Lighter</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-23.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-10.htm">Thicker</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">Waist</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-11.htm">Yoke</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 12</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam, </a> 4. <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him</a> 6. <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Rehoboam, refusing the old men's counsel, answers them roughly</a> 16. <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">Ten tribes revolting, kill Adoram, and make Rehoboam flee</a> 21. <a href="/1_kings/12-21.htm">Rehoboam, raising an army, is forbidden by Shemaiah</a> 25. <a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">Jeroboam strengthens himself by cities</a> 26. <a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">and by idolatry of the two calves</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The young men who had grown up with him replied Rehoboam, Solomon's son, sought counsel from two groups: the elders and the young men. The young men, who had grown up with him, represent a new generation that lacked the wisdom and experience of the elders. This reflects a common biblical theme where youthful inexperience can lead to poor decision-making, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a>, which warns about the company one keeps.This is how you should answer these people who said to you The people of Israel, particularly those from the northern tribes, approached Rehoboam seeking relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. This request highlights the socio-political tensions within the united monarchy, foreshadowing the eventual division of the kingdom. The phrase underscores the importance of leadership and the consequences of ignoring the people's needs, as seen in the warnings given in <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-18</a> about the burdens of a king.‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ Solomon's reign, while prosperous, involved heavy taxation and forced labor, especially for his building projects, including the temple and his palace. The term "yoke" symbolizes oppression and servitude, reminiscent of Israel's bondage in Egypt (<a href="/exodus/1-14.htm">Exodus 1:14</a>). The people's plea for a lighter yoke echoes the biblical principle of justice and mercy, as emphasized in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>.This is what you should tell them The young men's advice to Rehoboam is a pivotal moment, reflecting a choice between humility and arrogance. The directive to respond harshly contrasts with the biblical call for leaders to serve with humility and compassion, as exemplified by Jesus in <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a>, where He teaches that true greatness comes from serving others.‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!’ This hyperbolic statement signifies an intention to rule with even greater severity than Solomon. The imagery of the "little finger" being thicker than the "waist" suggests an increase in oppression and control. This phrase foreshadows the division of the kingdom, as Rehoboam's harshness leads to the rebellion of the northern tribes (<a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16-19</a>). It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the failure to heed wise counsel, aligning with <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>, which warns that pride precedes destruction.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/r/rehoboam.htm">Rehoboam</a> The son of Solomon and the king of Israel who faced a critical decision regarding the demands of the people for lighter burdens. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_young_men.htm">The Young Men</a> Rehoboam's peers who advised him to respond harshly to the people's request, contrasting with the elders' counsel. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_elders.htm">The Elders</a> Older advisors who counseled Rehoboam to serve the people and speak kindly to them, which he ultimately rejected. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The united kingdom under Solomon, which was on the brink of division due to Rehoboam's decision. 5. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the people of Israel presented their request for lighter burdens.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a> Rehoboam's choice to listen to his peers rather than the elders demonstrates the need for seeking and heeding wise, godly advice. <a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a> True leadership involves serving others, as exemplified by Jesus, rather than exerting power and control. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_pride.htm">Consequences of Pride</a> Rehoboam's prideful response led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating the destructive nature of pride. <a href="/topical/l/listening_to_the_people.htm">Listening to the People</a> Effective leaders listen to the needs and concerns of those they lead, fostering unity and trust. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility.htm">The Role of Humility</a> Humility in leadership can prevent conflict and promote peace, contrasting with Rehoboam's arrogant stance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 12</a> <a href="/q/who_was_dathan_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Sennacherib in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_daniel_and_belteshazzar_differ.htm">How do Daniel and Belteshazzar differ?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_solomon's_rule_split_israel.htm">How did Solomon's reign lead to Israel's division?</a> <a href="/q/is_2_samuel_10_6's_troop_hire_credible.htm">According to 2 Samuel 10:6, how credible is the large-scale hiring of Aramean troops, and does historical evidence verify such military alliances for the period?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) Thus shalt thou speak.--The advice of the young men--the spoilt children of a magnificent and luxurious despotism, of which alone they had experience--is the language of the arrogant self-confidence, which mistakes obstinacy for vigour, and, blind to all signs of the times, supposes that what once was possible, and perhaps good for the national progress, must last for ever. It is couched in needlessly and absurdly offensive language; but it is, as all history shows--perhaps not least the history of our own Stuart dynasty--a not unfrequent policy in revolutionary times; holding that to yield in one point is to endanger the whole fabric of sovereign power; relying on the prestige of an authority proudly confident in itself; and trusting to cow by threats the classes long subject to despotic oppression, and despised accordingly by those who wield it. It can succeed only when the popular disaffection is superficial, or when a nation is wearied out with revolutionary fanaticism and failure.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people [There is a certain amount of contemptuousness in the expression (cf. St. <a href="/john/7-49.htm">John 7:49</a>) ] that spake unto thee [The repetition, "speak, spake," is probably not undesigned. It suggests the idea of retaliation, or that it was a piece of presumption on their part to have spoken at all], saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us [lit., from upon us]; thus shalt thou say unto them [This iteration is expressive of determination and resentment. We may read between the lines, "I would make short work with them, and teach them a lesson they will not forget"], My little finger ["Finger" is not in the original, but the meaning is indisputable] shall be [or is, עָבָה, strictly, was thicker. The LXX. has simply παχυτέρα] thicker than my father's loins. [A figurative and perhaps proverbial expression. The sense is clear. "My hand shall be heavier than my father's, my force greater than his, my weakness even stronger than his strength." The counsel of the young men is full of flattery, which would be acceptable to a young king. <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/12-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The young men הַיְלָדִים֙ (hay·lā·ḏîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> Something born, a lad, offspring who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had grown up גָּדְל֣וּ (gā·ḏə·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1431.htm">Strong's 1431: </a> To grow up, become great with him אִתּוֹ֮ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among replied, וַיְדַבְּר֣וּ (way·ḏab·bə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue “This is how כֹּֽה־ (kōh-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now you should answer תֹאמַ֣ר (ṯō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say these הַזֶּ֡ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people לָעָ֣ם (lā·‘ām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock who אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that said דִּבְּר֨וּ (dib·bə·rū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to you, אֵלָ֗יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to ‘Your father אָבִ֙יךָ֙ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father made our yoke עֻלֵּ֔נוּ (‘ul·lê·nū) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5923.htm">Strong's 5923: </a> A yoke heavy, הִכְבִּ֣יד (hiḵ·bîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome but you וְאַתָּ֖ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you should make it lighter.’ הָקֵ֣ל (hā·qêl) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling This is what כֹּ֚ה (kōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now you should tell תְּדַבֵּ֣ר (tə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue them: אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to ‘My little finger קָֽטָנִּ֥י (qā·ṭān·nî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6995.htm">Strong's 6995: </a> A pettiness, the little finger is thicker עָבָ֖ה (‘ā·ḇāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5666.htm">Strong's 5666: </a> To be thick, fat, or gross than my father’s אָבִֽי׃ (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father waist! מִמָּתְנֵ֥י (mim·mā·ṯə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - mdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4975.htm">Strong's 4975: </a> The waist, small of the back, the loins <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 12:10 The young men who had grown up (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 12:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/12-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 12:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>