King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 13:12 Mean?
“And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.”
1 Kings 13:12 · KJV
Context
10
So he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel.
11
Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.
12
And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.
13
And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass: and he rode thereon,
14
And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of the man of god from judah, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of the man of god from judah, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Reflection Questions
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 18 wordsוַיְדַבֵּ֤ר1 of 18
“said”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם3 of 18
“And their father”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙6 of 18
“unto them What way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וַיִּרְא֣וּ8 of 18
“had seen”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בָנָ֗יו9 of 18
“he For his sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת10 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙11 of 18
“unto them What way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֤ר12 of 18
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִ֣ישׁ14 of 18
“the man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים15 of 18
“of God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁר16 of 18
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִֽיהוּדָֽה׃18 of 18
“from Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Kings 13:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.