King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:15 Mean?

1 Kings 22:15 in the King James Version says “So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we for...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 22:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?

17

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth-gilead 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.

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 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 · 11 words
וַיָּבוֹא1 of 11

“And he came”

way·yā·ḇō·w

H935
אֶל2 of 11

“to”

'el

H413
הַמֶּלֶךְ3 of 11

“the king”

ham·me·leḵ

H4428
וַיֹּאמֶר4 of 11

“and said”

way·yō·mer

H559
הַמֶּלֶךְ5 of 11

“the king”

ham·me·leḵ

H4428
אֵלָיו6 of 11

“to him”

'ê·lāw

H413
מִיכָיְהוּ7 of 11

“Micaiah”

mî·ḵā·yə·hū

H4321
הֲנֵלֵךְ8 of 11

“shall we go”

hă·nê·lêḵ

H1980
אֶל9 of 11

“against”

'el

H413
רָמֹת10 of 11

“Ramoth”

rā·mōṯ

H7433
גִּלְעָד11 of 11

“Gilead”

gil·'āḏ

H1568

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 22:15 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 22:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 10:14Ecclesiastes 11:9Matthew 26:451 Kings 18:272 Kings 3:132 Chronicles 18:14

Places in This Verse

Ramoth-gileadSettlement · Modern: Tall er Rumeith · 32.50°N, 36.01°E20 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Kings 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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