King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:42 Mean?

1 Kings 20:42 in the King James Version says “And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter dest... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.

1 Kings 20:42 · KJV


Context

40

And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. he was: Heb. he was not

41

And he hasted, and took the ashes away from his face; and the king of Israel discerned him that he was of the prophets.

42

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.

43

And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.

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
אָמַ֣ר1 of 18

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֚ה3 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר4 of 18

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 18

the LORD

H3068

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

יַ֛עַן6 of 18
H3282

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

שִׁלַּ֥חְתָּ7 of 18

Because thou hast let go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת8 of 18
H853

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

אִישׁ9 of 18

a 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)

חֶרְמִ֖י10 of 18

whom I appointed to utter destruction

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

מִיָּ֑ד11 of 18

out of thy hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְהָֽיְתָ֤ה12 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נַפְשׁ֔וֹ13 of 18

shall go for his life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תַּ֣חַת14 of 18
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

נַפְשׁ֔וֹ15 of 18

shall go for his life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

עַמּֽוֹ׃16 of 18

and thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

תַּ֥חַת17 of 18
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

עַמּֽוֹ׃18 of 18

and thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 20:42 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 20:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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