King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:13 Mean?

1 Kings 22:13 in the King James Version says “And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare go... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.

1 Kings 22:13 · KJV


Context

11

And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.

12

And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead , and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand.

13

And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.

14

And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

15

So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's death and jehoshaphat's alliance, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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 · 8 words
וְהַמַּלְאָךְ1 of 8

And the messenger

wə·ham·mal·'āḵ

H4397
אֲשֶׁר2 of 8

who

'ă·šer

H834
הָלַךְ3 of 8

had gone

hā·laḵ

H1980
לִקְרֹא4 of 8

to call

liq·rō

H7121
מִיכָיְהוּ5 of 8

Micaiah

mî·ḵā·yə·hū

H4321
דִּבֶּר6 of 8

spoke

dib·ber

H1696
אֵלָיו7 of 8

to him

'ê·lāw

H413
לֵאמֹר8 of 8

saying

lê·mōr

H559

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 22:13 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 22:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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