King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:36 Mean?

1 Kings 20:36 in the King James Version says “Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me,...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.”

1 Kings 20:36 · KJV

Context

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.

36

Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.

37

Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him. so that: Heb. smiting and wounding

38

So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.

Read 1 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.

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 · 18 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 18

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ2 of 18
H0
יַ֚עַן3 of 18
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 18
H834

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

לֹֽא5 of 18
H3808

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

שָׁמַ֙עְתָּ֙6 of 18

“he unto him Because thou hast not obeyed”

H8085

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

בְּק֣וֹל7 of 18

“the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִנְּךָ֤9 of 18
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙10 of 18

“behold as soon as thou art departed”

H1980

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

מֵֽאִתִּ֔י11 of 18
H853

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

וַיַּכֵּֽהוּ׃12 of 18

“him and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הָֽאַרְיֵ֖ה13 of 18

“a lion”

H738

a lion

וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙14 of 18

“behold as soon as thou art departed”

H1980

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

מֵֽאֶצְל֔וֹ15 of 18

“from him”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

וַיִּמְצָאֵ֥הוּ16 of 18

“found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הָֽאַרְיֵ֖ה17 of 18

“a lion”

H738

a lion

וַיַּכֵּֽהוּ׃18 of 18

“him and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

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 20:36 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 20:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 13:21-241 Samuel 15:22-231 Kings 13:26

Test Your Knowledge

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