King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:20 Mean?

1 Kings 22:20 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead ? And one said on this manner, an...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead ? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. persuade: or, deceive”

1 Kings 22:20 · KJV

Context

18

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?

19

And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

20

And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead ? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. persuade: or, deceive

21

And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.

22

And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

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 · 10 words
וַיֹּאמֶר1 of 10

“And said”

way·yō·mer

H559
יְהוָה2 of 10

“the LORD”

Yah·weh

H3068
מִי3 of 10

“Who”

mî

H4310
יְפַתֶּה4 of 10

“will persuade”

yə·p̄at·teh

H6601
אֶת5 of 10

“-”

'eṯ

H853
אַחְאָב6 of 10

“Ahab”

'aḥ·'āḇ

H256
וְיַעַל7 of 10

“to go up”

wə·ya·'al

H5927
וְיִפֹּל8 of 10

“and fall”

wə·yip·pōl

H5307
בְּרָמֹת9 of 10

“at Ramoth”

bə·rā·mōṯ

H7433
גִּלְעָד10 of 10

“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 22:20 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 22:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 14:9Job 12:16Jeremiah 4:10

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 →

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