King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:28 Mean?

1 Kings 13:28 in the King James Version says “And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not ea...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass. torn: Heb. broken”

1 Kings 13:28 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass. torn: Heb. broken

29

And the prophet took up the carcase of the man of God, and laid it upon the ass, and brought it back: and the old prophet came to the city, to mourn and to bury him.

30

And he laid his carcase in his own grave; and they mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother!

Read 1 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass.

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 · 20 words
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ1 of 20
H1980

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

וַיִּמְצָ֤א2 of 20

“and found”

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

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

הַנְּבֵלָ֔ה4 of 20

“his carcase”

H5038

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

מֻשְׁלֶ֣כֶת5 of 20

“cast”

H7993

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

בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ6 of 20

“in the way”

H1870

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

הַחֲמֽוֹר׃7 of 20

“and the ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

הָֽאַרְיֵה֙8 of 20

“and the lion”

H738

a lion

עֹֽמְדִ֖ים9 of 20

“standing”

H5975

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

אֵ֣צֶל10 of 20

“by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הַנְּבֵלָ֔ה11 of 20

“his carcase”

H5038

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

לֹֽא12 of 20
H3808

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

אָכַ֤ל13 of 20

“had not eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הָֽאַרְיֵה֙14 of 20

“and the lion”

H738

a lion

אֶת15 of 20
H853

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

הַנְּבֵלָ֔ה16 of 20

“his carcase”

H5038

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

וְלֹ֥א17 of 20
H3808

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

שָׁבַ֖ר18 of 20

“nor torn”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת19 of 20
H853

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

הַחֲמֽוֹר׃20 of 20

“and the ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

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 13:28 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 13:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 17:6Acts 16:26Job 38:11Psalms 148:7-8Daniel 6:22-24Daniel 3:27-28

Test Your Knowledge

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

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