King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:18 Mean?

1 Kings 13:18 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 13:18 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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 · 22 words
לֵאמֹ֗ר1 of 22

He said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ2 of 22
H0
גַּם3 of 22
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲנִ֣י4 of 22
H589

i

נָבִיא֮5 of 22

unto him I am a prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

כָּמוֹךָ֒6 of 22
H3644

as, thus, so

וּמַלְאָ֡ךְ7 of 22

also as thou art and an angel

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

דִּבֶּ֣ר8 of 22

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלַי֩9 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּדְבַ֨ר10 of 22

unto me by the word

H1697

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

יְהוָ֜ה11 of 22

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֵאמֹ֗ר12 of 22

He said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲשִׁבֵ֤הוּ13 of 22

Bring him back

H7725

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

אִתְּךָ֙14 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֶל15 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ16 of 22

with thee into thine house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְיֹ֥אכַל17 of 22

that he may eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֖חֶם18 of 22

bread

H3899

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

וְיֵ֣שְׁתְּ19 of 22

and drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מָ֑יִם20 of 22

water

H4325

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

כִּחֵ֖שׁ21 of 22

But he lied

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

לֽוֹ׃22 of 22
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 13:18 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 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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