King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:29 Mean?

1 Kings 13:29 in the King James Version says “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 prophe...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 13:29 · KJV

Context

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!

31

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א1 of 17

“took up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הַנָּבִ֣יא2 of 17

“And the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

נִבְלַ֧ת4 of 17

“the carcase”

H5038

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

אִישׁ5 of 17

“of the man”

H376

a 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים6 of 17

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיַּנִּחֵ֥הוּ7 of 17

“and laid”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

אֶֽל8 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחֲמ֖וֹר9 of 17

“it upon the ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וַיְשִׁיבֵ֑הוּ10 of 17

“and brought it back”

H7725

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

וַיָּבֹ֗א11 of 17

“came”

H935

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

אֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עִיר֙13 of 17

“to the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַנָּבִ֣יא14 of 17

“And the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַזָּקֵ֔ן15 of 17

“and the old”

H2205

old

לִסְפֹּ֖ד16 of 17

“to mourn”

H5594

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

וּלְקָבְרֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“and to bury”

H6912

to inter

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 13:29 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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