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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> They replied, &#8220If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” <a href="/esv/1_kings/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/12.htm">New King James Version</a> And they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant them their request, and speak pleasant words to them, then they will be your servants always.” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then they spoke to him, saying, &#8220If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant them their petition, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, will serve them, grant them their petition, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant them their petition, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/amp/1_kings/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant their request, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/csb/1_kings/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They replied, “Today if you will be a servant to this people and serve them, and if you respond to them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They replied, &#8220Today if you will be a servant to these people and serve them, and if you respond to them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. <a href="/cev/1_kings/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They answered, "If you want them to serve and obey you, then you should do what they ask today. Tell them you will make their work easier." <a href="/erv/1_kings/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They told him, "If you will serve these people today, humble yourself, and speak gently, then they will always be your servants." <a href="/gnt/1_kings/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> They replied, "If you want to serve this people well, give a favorable answer to their request, and they will always serve you loyally." <a href="/isv/1_kings/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> They advised him, "If today you are a servant, you will serve this people by answering them and speaking kindly to them. Then they will serve you forever." <a href="/msb/1_kings/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> They replied, ?If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.? <a href="/net/1_kings/12.htm">NET Bible</a> They said to him, "Today if you show a willingness to help these people and grant their request, they will be your servants from this time forward." <a href="/nheb/1_kings/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever." <a href="/wbt/1_kings/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they spoke to him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant to this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. <a href="/web/1_kings/12.htm">World English Bible</a> They replied, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them, and answer them with good words, then they will be your servants forever.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And they speak to him, saying, “If, today, you are a servant of this people, and have served them, and answered them, and spoken good words to them, then they have been servants to you [for] all the days.” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And they speak unto him, saying, 'If, to-day, thou art servant to this people, and hast served them, and answered them, and spoken unto them good words, then they have been to thee servants all the days.' <a href="/slt/1_kings/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they will speak to him, saying, If this day thou wilt be a servant to this people and serve them, and answer them, and speak to them good words, and they were servants to thee all the days.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> They said to him: If thou wilt yield to this people to day, and condescend to them, and grant their petition, and wilt speak gentle words to them, they will be thy servants always. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> They said to him, “If today you will obey and serve this people, and yield to their petition, and if you will speak lenient words to them, they will be your servants for all days.” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/12.htm">New American Bible</a> They replied, “If today you become the servant of this people and serve them, and give them a favorable answer, they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They answered him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they said to him, If you will be a servant to this people this day and will serve them and answer them and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants for ever.<CL>And the king said to the prophet of God, Come home with me to eat and I will give you presents. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they said to him: “If today you will be a Servant to this people and you will serve them and answer them and will speak good words to them, they will be Servants to you all the days.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And they spoke unto him, saying: 'If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.' <a href="/sep/1_kings/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they spoke to him, saying, If thou wilt this day be a servant to this people, and wilt serve them, and wilt speak to them good words, then will they be thy servants continually. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/12-7.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=4769" 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> …6Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. 7<a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bēr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">They 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/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">you will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">a servant</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.">to 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/5647.htm" title="5647: wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·tām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">and serve them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">this day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: wa·‘ă·nî·ṯām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To answer, respond.">and if you will respond</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: wə·ḏib·bar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">by speaking</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇîm (Adj-mp) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">kind</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·rîm (N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">they will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">forever.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yā·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> 8But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.…<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="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Proverbs 25:15</a> Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. <a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a> 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— / just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43-45</a> 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. / For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-7</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. / Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: ... <a href="/2_chronicles/10-7.htm">2 Chronicles 10:7</a> They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a> Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a> For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. <a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a> The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Proverbs 19:20</a> Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29</a> Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:16-17</a> Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. / Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. <a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm">Isaiah 1:19</a> If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. <a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3-4</a> This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. / For if you will indeed carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will enter through the gates of this palace riding on chariots and horses—they and their officials and their people. <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they spoke to him, saying, If you will be a servant to this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants for ever.If thou wilt<a href="/2_chronicles/10-6.htm">2 Chronicles 10:6,7</a> And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? … <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.<a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43,44</a> But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: … speak good<a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">1 Kings 12:13</a> And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;<a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">2 Samuel 15:3-6</a> And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee… <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a> If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/11-39.htm">Always</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-2.htm">Caring</a> <a href="/judges/21-22.htm">Favorable</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-39.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-50.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-20.htm">Petition</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-38.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-3.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-28.htm">Today</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-28.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-38.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/8-19.htm">Always</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-23.htm">Caring</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-13.htm">Favorable</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-27.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-22.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-4.htm">Petition</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-18.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-14.htm">Today</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-15.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-8.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-11.htm">Words</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'; 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Their reply is significant as it reflects the wisdom accumulated from years of experience under Solomon's reign. The elders' counsel contrasts with the advice given by Rehoboam's younger peers, highlighting the biblical theme of valuing wisdom and experience (<a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>).If you will be a servant to these people The concept of leadership as servanthood is a recurring biblical theme. Jesus exemplified this in His ministry, teaching that the greatest among His followers must be a servant (<a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a>). This advice to Rehoboam underscores the importance of humility and service in leadership, a principle that is countercultural both in ancient times and today.and serve them this day The immediate action suggested here emphasizes the urgency and importance of addressing the people's grievances. In the historical context, the Israelites were burdened by heavy taxes and labor under Solomon's rule, particularly for his building projects (<a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">1 Kings 5:13-18</a>). The elders' advice suggests a shift in policy to alleviate these burdens.and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them The power of words is a significant biblical theme. <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." The elders advise Rehoboam to use gentle and kind words to win the people's loyalty, reflecting the importance of communication in leadership.they will be your servants forever This promise of loyalty is conditional upon Rehoboam's response to the people's needs. The historical context shows that the kingdom was at a critical juncture, with tensions high after Solomon's reign. The elders' advice implies that a compassionate and servant-hearted approach could secure the unity and loyalty of the tribes, preventing the division that eventually occurred (<a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16-19</a>). This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of mutual submission and service within the body of Christ (<a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21</a>).<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 sought counsel on how to respond to the people's request for lighter burdens. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_elders.htm">The Elders</a> The older advisors who had served Solomon and advised Rehoboam to serve the people with kindness. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The united kingdom under Solomon, now facing potential division due to Rehoboam's decision. 4. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the people of Israel gathered to make their request. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jeroboam.htm">Jeroboam</a> A former official under Solomon who later became the leader of the northern tribes after the kingdom split.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a> True leadership is characterized by serving others. Rehoboam was advised to lead by serving, a principle that remains vital for leaders today. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Kind and gentle words can build loyalty and unity. The elders' advice underscores the importance of communication in leadership. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_wise_counsel.htm">Seeking Wise Counsel</a> Rehoboam's account reminds us of the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel, especially from those with experience. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_decisions.htm">Consequences of Decisions</a> Decisions made by leaders can have long-lasting impacts on their followers. Rehoboam's choice led to the division of the kingdom. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a> Humility is essential for effective leadership. Rehoboam was called to humble himself and serve, reflecting Christ's example.<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_is_qoheleth_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_samuel_lead_and_anoint_kings.htm">How did Samuel lead Israel and anoint its first kings?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_rehoboam's_reply_only_harsh.htm">Why does 1 Kings 12:14 present Rehoboam’s answer as solely harsh, despite other biblical accounts that sometimes provide a balancing perspective? </a> <a href="/q/does_1_kings_1_11-27_contradict_divine_king_appointments.htm">Does Nathan and Bathsheba's intervention (1 Kings 1:11-27) contradict earlier portrayals of divine appointment of kings in Israel?</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>(7) If thou wilt be a servant.--Both the policies suggested show how corrupt and cynical the government of Israel had become. For the advice of the old counsellors has no largeness of policy or depth of wisdom. It is simply the characteristic advice of experienced and crafty politicians--who had seen the gradual development of despotic power, and had still remembrance of the comparative freedom of earlier days--understanding at once the dangerous vehemence of popular excitement, and the facility with which it may be satisfied by temporary concessions, and perhaps desiring to defeat that private ambition, which was making use for its own purposes of the natural sense of grievance. It is to give "good words," and to be for the moment "a servant to the people," with, perhaps, the intention of abolishing certain excessive grievances, but by no means of yielding up substantial power. Whether it was in itself more than superficially prudent, would depend on the seriousness of the grievances, and the social and political condition of the people.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them [Keil questions the propriety and expediency of this advice. He says, "The king could not become the עֶבֶד of the people without prejudicing the authority entrusted to him by God." But they do not propose that he should become their servant, except for one clay, and then only in the sense of making reasonable concessions. What they mean is this: "If thou wilt brook for once to accede to their terms instead of dictating thine own," etc. The form of their answer was probably suggested by the temper of the king. They saw what was passing in his mind, viz., that he would fain play the autocrat, and that he resented it exceedingly that his subjects, just as he had begun to taste the sweets of royalty, should presume to parley with him; and they say in effect, "You think that they are reversing your relations, that they are making you, their sovereign, their servant. Be it so. It is but for one day. Then they will be your slaves forever"], and answer them [i.e., favourably; grant their request; cf. <a href="/psalms/22-22.htm">Psalm 22:22</a>; <a href="/psalms/65-6.htm">Psalm 65:6</a>], and speak good words to them, then will they be thy servants forever. ["Thy servants," in opposition to "a servant" above; "forever" in opposition to "this day."] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/12-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>They replied, וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ‪‬ (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 “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you will be תִּֽהְיֶה־ (tih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a servant עֶ֜בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant to these הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people לָעָ֤ם (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 and serve them וַֽעֲבַדְתָּ֔ם (wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·tām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave this day, הַ֠יּוֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day and if you will respond וַעֲנִיתָ֕ם (wa·‘ă·nî·ṯām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond by speaking וְדִבַּרְתָּ֥ (wə·ḏib·bar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue kind טוֹבִ֑ים (ṭō·w·ḇîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good words דְּבָרִ֣ים (də·ḇā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause to them, אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to they will be וְהָי֥וּ (wə·hā·yū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be your servants עֲבָדִ֖ים (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant forever.” כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/12-7.htm">1 Kings 12:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-7.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 12:7 They spoke to him saying If you (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 12:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 12:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:8" /></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>