King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:22 Mean?

1 Kings 13:22 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 13:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

Read 1 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 21 words
וַתָּ֗שָׁב1 of 21

“But camest back”

H7725

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

תֹּ֥אכַל2 of 21

“and hast eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֖חֶם3 of 21

“bread”

H3899

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

תֵּ֣שְׁתְּ4 of 21

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מָ֑יִם5 of 21

“no water”

H4325

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

בַּמָּקוֹם֙6 of 21

“in the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 21
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֣ר8 of 21

“of the which the LORD did say”

H1696

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

אֵלֶ֔יךָ9 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַל10 of 21
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֹּ֥אכַל11 of 21

“and hast eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֖חֶם12 of 21

“bread”

H3899

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

וְאַל13 of 21
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּ֣שְׁתְּ14 of 21

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מָ֑יִם15 of 21

“no water”

H4325

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

לֹֽא16 of 21
H3808

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

תָב֥וֹא17 of 21

“shall not come”

H935

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

נִבְלָֽתְךָ֖18 of 21

“thy carcase”

H5038

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

אֶל19 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קֶ֥בֶר20 of 21

“unto the sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

אֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃21 of 21

“of thy fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 13:22 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 13:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 21:19-20Jeremiah 22:18-191 Kings 14:131 Kings 13:30Isaiah 14:18-20

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