King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:37 Mean?

1 Kings 20:37 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 20:37 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

39

And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king: and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver. pay: Heb. weigh

Read 1 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded 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.

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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 · 10 words
וַיִּמְצָא֙1 of 10

“Then he 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

הָאִ֖ישׁ2 of 10

“man”

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)

אַחֵ֔ר3 of 10

“another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר4 of 10

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַכֵּ֥ה5 of 10

“Smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

נָ֑א6 of 10
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

הַכֵּ֥ה7 of 10

“Smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הָאִ֖ישׁ8 of 10

“man”

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)

הַכֵּ֥ה9 of 10

“Smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וּפָצֹֽעַ׃10 of 10

“he wounded”

H6481

to split, i.e., wound

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 20:37 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 20:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:121 Kings 20:35

Test Your Knowledge

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