King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:1 Mean?

1 Kings 20:1 in the King James Version says “And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses,... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

1 Kings 20:1 · KJV


Context

1

And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

2

And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Benhadad,

3

Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's wars with syria, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

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. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

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
וּבֶן1 of 20
H0
הֲדַ֣ד2 of 20

And Benhadad

H1130

ben-hadad, the name of several syrian kings, possibly a royal title

מֶ֛לֶךְ3 of 20

kings

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֗ם4 of 20

of Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

קָבַץ֙5 of 20

gathered

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶת6 of 20
H853

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

כָּל7 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֵיל֔וֹ8 of 20

all his host

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים9 of 20

and there were thirty

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּשְׁנַ֥יִם10 of 20

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מֶ֛לֶךְ11 of 20

kings

H4428

a king

אִתּ֖וֹ12 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְס֣וּס13 of 20

with him and horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וָרָ֑כֶב14 of 20

and chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וַיַּ֗עַל15 of 20

and he went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וַיָּ֙צַר֙16 of 20

and besieged

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עַל17 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן18 of 20

Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם19 of 20

and warred

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בָּֽהּ׃20 of 20
H0

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 20:1 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 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study