King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:24 Mean?

1 Kings 13:24 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 13:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him. torn: Heb. broken

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וַיֵּ֕לֶךְ1 of 16
H1980

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

וַיִּמְצָאֵ֧הוּ2 of 16

“met”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

וְהָ֣אַרְיֵ֔ה3 of 16

“a lion”

H738

a lion

בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ4 of 16

“him by the way”

H1870

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

וַיְמִיתֵ֑הוּ5 of 16

“and slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַתְּהִ֤י6 of 16
H1961

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

הַנְּבֵלָֽה׃7 of 16

“by the carcase”

H5038

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

מֻשְׁלֶ֣כֶת8 of 16

“was cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ9 of 16

“him by the way”

H1870

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

וְהַֽחֲמוֹר֙10 of 16

“and the ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

עֹמֵ֖ד11 of 16

“also stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֵ֥צֶל12 of 16

“by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

וְהָ֣אַרְיֵ֔ה13 of 16

“a lion”

H738

a lion

עֹמֵ֖ד14 of 16

“also stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֵ֥צֶל15 of 16

“by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הַנְּבֵלָֽה׃16 of 16

“by the carcase”

H5038

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

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 13:24 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 13:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 20:36Proverbs 26:131 Corinthians 11:31-321 Peter 4:17-18Proverbs 22:132 Kings 2:24

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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