King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:9 Mean?

1 Kings 13:9 in the King James Version says “For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.

1 Kings 13:9 · King James Version


Context

7

And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.

8

And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:

9

For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.

10

So he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel.

11

Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
כִּי1 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֵ֣ן׀2 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

צִוָּ֣ה3 of 18

For so was it charged

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹתִ֗י4 of 18
H853

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

בִּדְבַ֤ר5 of 18

me by the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָה֙6 of 18

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֵאמֹ֔ר7 of 18

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹא8 of 18
H3808

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

תֹ֥אכַל9 of 18

Eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֖חֶם10 of 18

no bread

H3899

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

וְלֹ֣א11 of 18
H3808

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

תִשְׁתֶּה12 of 18

nor drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מָּ֑יִם13 of 18

water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְלֹ֣א14 of 18
H3808

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

תָשׁ֔וּב15 of 18

nor turn again

H7725

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

בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ16 of 18

by the same way

H1870

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

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

הָלָֽכְתָּ׃18 of 18

that thou camest

H1980

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


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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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