King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:33 Mean?

1 Kings 20:33 in the King James Version says “Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy b... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.

1 Kings 20:33 · KJV


Context

31

And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life.

32

So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and put ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said, Thy servant Benhadad saith, I pray thee, let me live . And he said, Is he yet alive? he is my brother.

33

Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.

34

And Benhadad said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then said Ahab, I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.

35

And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Ben-hadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Ben-hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.

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 · 19 words
וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁים֩1 of 19
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְנַֽחֲשׁ֨וּ2 of 19

did diligently observe

H5172

properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate

וַֽיְמַהֲר֜וּ3 of 19

whether any thing would come from him and did hastily

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

וַיַּחְלְט֣וּ4 of 19

catch

H2480

to snatch at

הֲמִמֶּ֗נּוּ5 of 19
H4480

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

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר6 of 19

Then he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָחִ֣יךָ7 of 19

Thy brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בֶן8 of 19
H0
הֲדַ֔ד9 of 19

Benhadad

H1130

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

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר10 of 19

Then he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֹּ֣אוּ11 of 19

Go

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

קָחֻ֑הוּ12 of 19

ye bring

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וַיֵּצֵ֤א13 of 19

came forth

H3318

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

אֵלָיו֙14 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֶּן15 of 19
H0
הֲדַ֔ד16 of 19

Benhadad

H1130

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

וַֽיַּעֲלֵ֖הוּ17 of 19

to him and he caused him to come up

H5927

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

עַל18 of 19
H5921

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

הַמֶּרְכָּבָֽה׃19 of 19

into the chariot

H4818

a chariot


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 20:33 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 20:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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