1 Kings 14:10
Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.
1 Kings 14:10 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, God is delivering a message of judgment upon Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The phrase "cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall" is a colloquial expression used in ancient times to refer to males, emphasizing the complete destruction of Jeroboam's descendants, including even the most insignificant members of his family. The comparison of taking away the remnant of Jeroboam's house to removing dung illustrates the thoroughness and finality of God's judgment. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of God's judgment for those who reject Him. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands in order to avoid His judgment and destruction.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of 1 Kings paints a vivid picture of the consequences of Jeroboam's disobedience to God. The phrase "him that pisseth against the wall" is a Hebrew idiom that refers to males. The use of this phrase emphasizes the severity of the judgment that God will bring upon Jeroboam's house. The comparison of taking away the remnant of Jeroboam's house to the removal of dung signifies the complete eradication of his descendants. This harsh language reflects the seriousness of God's judgment against those who rebel against Him. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights God's sovereignty and justice, demonstrating that He will hold leaders accountable for their actions and punish disobedience accordingly. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying faithful to God's commands and the consequences that come with straying from His path.
1 Kings 14:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every man-child, him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweepeth away dung, till it be all gone.
World English Bible
therefore, behold, I will bring evil on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone who urinates on a wall, he who is shut up and he who is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweeps away dung, until it is all gone.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore, behold I will bring evils upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up, and the last in Israel: and I will sweep away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as dung is swept away till all be clean.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore beholde, I will bring euill vpon the house of Ieroboam, and will cut off from Ieroboam him that pisseth against the wall, aswell him that is shut vp, as him that is left in Israel, and will sweepe away the remnant of the house of Ieroboam, as a man sweepeth away doung, till it be all gone.