King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:14 Mean?

1 Kings 20:14 in the King James Version says “And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou. young: or, servants order: Heb. bind, or, tie”

1 Kings 20:14 · KJV

Context

12

And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city. message: Heb. word pavilions: or, tents Set yourselves: or, Place the engines. And they placed the engines

13

And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD. came: Heb. approached

14

And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou. young: or, servants order: Heb. bind, or, tie

15

Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.

16

And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou.

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 · 16 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַחְאָב֙2 of 16

“And Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

בְּמִ֔י3 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר4 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה5 of 16
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר6 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּנַֽעֲרֵ֖י8 of 16

“Even by the young men”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

שָׂרֵ֣י9 of 16

“of the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמְּדִינ֑וֹת10 of 16

“of the provinces”

H4082

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר11 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִֽי12 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יֶאְסֹ֥ר13 of 16

“Who shall order”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה14 of 16

“the battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר15 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָֽתָּה׃16 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

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 20:14 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 20:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 7:16-201 Samuel 17:501 Corinthians 1:27-29Genesis 14:14-161 Kings 18:44

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