King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:22 Mean?

1 Kings 20:22 in the King James Version says “And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

1 Kings 20:22 · KJV


Context

20

And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.

21

And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.

22

And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

23

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

24

And do this thing, Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

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 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.

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 · 21 words
וַיִּגַּ֤שׁ1 of 21

came

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

הַנָּבִיא֙2 of 21

And the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֥לֶךְ4 of 21

the king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר6 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙7 of 21
H0
לֵ֣ךְ8 of 21
H1980

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

הִתְחַזַּ֔ק9 of 21

strengthen

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְדַ֥ע10 of 21

thyself and mark

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וּרְאֵ֖ה11 of 21

and see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵ֣ת12 of 21
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר13 of 21
H834

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה14 of 21

what thou doest

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּ֚י15 of 21
H3588

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

לִתְשׁוּבַ֣ת16 of 21

for at the return

H8666

a recurrence (of time or place); a reply (as returned)

הַשָּׁנָ֔ה17 of 21

of the year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מֶ֥לֶךְ18 of 21

the king

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֖ם19 of 21

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

עֹלֶ֥ה20 of 21

will come up

H5927

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

עָלֶֽיךָ׃21 of 21
H5921

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


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 20:22 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 20:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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