King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:17 Mean?

1 Kings 20:17 in the King James Version says “And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Benhadad sent out, and they told him, saying, Ther...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Benhadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria.”

1 Kings 20:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Benhadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria.

18

And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.

19

So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them.

Read 1 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Ben-hadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria.

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 · 14 words
יָֽצְא֖וּ1 of 14

“come out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

נַֽעֲרֵ֛י2 of 14

“And 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

שָׂרֵ֥י3 of 14

“of the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמְּדִינ֖וֹת4 of 14

“of the provinces”

H4082

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

בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה5 of 14

“first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח6 of 14

“sent out”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בֶּן7 of 14
H0
הֲדַ֗ד8 of 14

“and Benhadad”

H1130

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

וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ9 of 14

“and they told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לוֹ֙10 of 14
H0
לֵאמֹ֔ר11 of 14

“him saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנָשִׁ֕ים12 of 14

“There are men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

יָֽצְא֖וּ13 of 14

“come out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִשֹּֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃14 of 14

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

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 20:17 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 20:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 20:191 Kings 20:14-15

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 1 Kings 20 →

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