King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:23 Mean?

1 Kings 20:23 in the King James Version says “And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 20:23 · KJV


Context

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:

25

And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. that thou: Heb. that was fallen


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וְעַבְדֵ֨י1 of 20

And the servants

H5650

a servant

מֶֽלֶךְ2 of 20

of the king

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֜ם3 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

אָֽמְר֣וּ4 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם6 of 20

are gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָרִים֙7 of 20

of the hills

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם8 of 20

are gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַל9 of 20
H5921

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

כֵּ֖ן10 of 20
H3651

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

נֶֽחֱזַ֖ק11 of 20

therefore they were stronger

H2388

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

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ12 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְאוּלָ֗ם13 of 20

than we but

H199

however or on the contrary

נִלָּחֵ֤ם14 of 20

let us fight

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

אִתָּם֙15 of 20
H854

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

בַּמִּישׁ֔וֹר16 of 20

against them in the plain

H4334

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

אִם17 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֥א18 of 20

and surely

H3808

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

נֶֽחֱזַ֖ק19 of 20

therefore they were stronger

H2388

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

מֵהֶֽם׃20 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


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 20:23 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 20:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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