King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:23 Mean?

1 Kings 13:23 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 13:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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.

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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 · 12 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י2 of 12

“And it came to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אָכְל֥וֹ3 of 12

“he had eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֖חֶם4 of 12

“bread”

H3899

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

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י5 of 12

“And it came to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שְׁתוֹת֑וֹ6 of 12

“he had drunk”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיַּֽחֲבָשׁ7 of 12

“that he saddled”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

ל֣וֹ8 of 12
H0
הַֽחֲמ֔וֹר9 of 12

“for him the ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

לַנָּבִ֖יא10 of 12

“to wit for the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 12
H834

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

הֱשִׁיבֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“whom he had brought back”

H7725

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

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 13:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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