King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:5 Mean?

1 Kings 20:5 in the King James Version says “And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Benhadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou sh...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Benhadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;”

1 Kings 20:5 · KJV

Context

3

Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine.

4

And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have.

5

And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Benhadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

6

Yet I will send my servants unto thee to morrow about this time, and they shall search thine house, and the houses of thy servants; and it shall be, that whatsoever is pleasant in thine eyes, they shall put it in their hand, and take it away. pleasant: Heb. desirable

7

Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not. I denied: Heb. I kept not back from him

Read 1 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Ben-hadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

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 · 18 words
וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙1 of 18

“came again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים2 of 18

“And the messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

לֵאמֹ֔ר3 of 18

“Thus speaketh”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה4 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

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 18

“Thus speaketh”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֶּן6 of 18
H0
הֲדַ֖ד7 of 18

“Benhadad”

H1130

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 18

“Thus speaketh”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּֽי9 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁלַ֤חְתִּי10 of 18

“Although I have sent”

H7971

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

אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙11 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר12 of 18

“Thus speaketh”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כַּסְפְּךָ֧13 of 18

“me thy silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּֽזְהָבְךָ֛14 of 18

“and thy gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְנָשֶׁ֥יךָ15 of 18

“and thy wives”

H802

a woman

וּבָנֶ֖יךָ16 of 18

“and thy children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לִ֥י17 of 18
H0
תִתֵּֽן׃18 of 18

“Thou shalt deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

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 20:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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