1 Kings 16:25 Meaning and Explanation
“But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Despite his political success, Omri did evil in God's sight, surpassing in wickedness all the kings before him.
What Does 1 Kings 16:25 Mean?
The narrator's verdict cuts through Omri's worldly success with a single 'But.' For all his strength and city-building, in the eyes of the LORD he 'did worse than all that were before him,' deepening Israel's slide into idolatry rather than reversing it.
Here is the heart of the matter: God measures by a different scale than men do. The king the world might call great, Scripture calls evil, because greatness without godliness is a hollow thing. It is a piercing reminder that our truest record is written in God's sight, and that what matters most is not what we build but whom we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 16:25
What does 1 Kings 16:25 mean?
Despite his political success, Omri did evil in God's sight, surpassing in wickedness all the kings before him.