King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:17 Mean?

1 Kings 13:17 in the King James Version says “For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by th... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. it: Heb. a word was

1 Kings 13:17 · KJV


Context

15

Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread.

16

And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:

17

For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. it: Heb. a word was

18

He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.

19

So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.

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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּֽי1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בִּדְבַ֣ר2 of 19

For it was said

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֵלַי֙3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּדְבַ֣ר4 of 19

For it was said

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹֽא6 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹאכַ֣ל7 of 19

Thou shalt eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֔חֶם8 of 19

no bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְלֹֽא9 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁתֶּ֥ה10 of 19

nor drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖ם11 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מָ֑יִם12 of 19

water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לֹֽא13 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָשׁ֣וּב14 of 19

there nor turn again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הָלַ֥כְתָּ15 of 19

that thou camest

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ16 of 19

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁר17 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָלַ֥כְתָּ18 of 19

that thou camest

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּֽהּ׃19 of 19
H0

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 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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