King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:25 Mean?

1 Kings 20:25 in the King James Version says “And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 20:25 · KJV

Context

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

26

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel. to fight: Heb. to the war with Israel

27

And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. were all: or, were nourished

Read 1 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 22 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִֽמְנֶֽה2 of 22

“And number”

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

לְךָ֣׀3 of 22
H0
כַּחַיִל֩4 of 22

“like the army”

H2428

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

כַּחַיִל֩5 of 22

“like the army”

H2428

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

הַנֹּפֵ֨ל6 of 22

“that thou hast lost”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מֵֽאוֹתָ֜ךְ7 of 22
H853

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

כַּסּ֣וּס׀8 of 22

“for horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

כַּסּ֣וּס׀9 of 22

“for horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

כָּרֶ֗כֶב10 of 22

“and chariot”

H7393

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

כָּרֶ֗כֶב11 of 22

“and chariot”

H7393

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

וְנִֽלָּחֲמָ֤ה12 of 22

“and we will fight”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

אוֹתָם֙13 of 22
H853

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

בַּמִּישׁ֔וֹר14 of 22

“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., (

אִם15 of 22
H518

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

לֹ֥א16 of 22
H3808

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

נֶֽחֱזַ֖ק17 of 22

“and surely we shall be stronger”

H2388

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

מֵהֶ֑ם18 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע19 of 22

“than they And he hearkened”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְקֹלָ֖ם20 of 22

“unto their voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ21 of 22

“and did so”

H6213

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

כֵּֽן׃22 of 22
H3651

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

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 20:25 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 20:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 10:3

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