King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:21 Mean?

1 Kings 13:21 in the King James Version says “And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,

1 Kings 13:21 · KJV


Context

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:

21

And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,

22

But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the LORD did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

23

And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,

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 · 24 words
וַיִּקְרָ֞א1 of 24

And he cried

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֣ישׁ3 of 24

unto the man

H376

a 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)

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃4 of 24

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁר5 of 24
H834

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

בָּ֤א6 of 24

that came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִֽיהוּדָה֙7 of 24

from Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אָמַ֣ר8 of 24

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֖ה9 of 24
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר10 of 24

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה11 of 24

of the LORD

H3068

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

יַ֗עַן12 of 24

Forasmuch as

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

כִּ֤י13 of 24
H3588

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

מָרִ֙יתָ֙14 of 24

thou hast disobeyed

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

פִּ֣י15 of 24

the mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֥ה16 of 24

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְלֹ֤א17 of 24
H3808

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

שָׁמַ֙רְתָּ֙18 of 24

and hast not kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת19 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּצְוָ֔ה20 of 24

the commandment

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר21 of 24
H834

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

צִוְּךָ֖22 of 24

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֥ה23 of 24

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃24 of 24

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 13:21 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 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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