King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 13:25 Mean?
“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.”
1 Kings 13:25 · KJV
Context
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
27
And he spake to his sons, saying, Saddle me the ass. And they saddled him.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 21 wordsאֲנָשִׁ֣ים2 of 21
H376a 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)
עֹֽבְרִ֗ים3 of 21
“passed by”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וַיִּרְא֤וּ4 of 21
“and saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת5 of 21
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּבֵלָ֑ה6 of 21
“the carcase”
H5038a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ8 of 21
“in the way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְאֶת9 of 21
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֹמֵ֖ד11 of 21
“standing”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
הַנְּבֵלָ֑ה13 of 21
“the carcase”
H5038a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
וַיְדַבְּר֣וּ15 of 21
“and told”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בָעִ֔יר16 of 21
“it in the city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר17 of 21
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֹשֵׁ֥ב20 of 21
“dwelt”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בָּֽהּ׃21 of 21
H0Study 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 13:25 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 13:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge