King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:27 Mean?

1 Kings 22:27 in the King James Version says “And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison , and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of af...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison , and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.”

1 Kings 22:27 · KJV

Peace

Context

25

And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. into: or, from chamber to chamber: Heb. a chamber in a chamber

26

And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

27

And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison , and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

28

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

29

So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead .

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

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.

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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 · 9 words
וְאָמַרְתָּ1 of 9

“And say”

wə·'ā·mar·tā

H559
כֹּה2 of 9

“Thus”

kōh

H3541
אָמַר3 of 9

“says”

'ā·mar

H559
הַמֶּלֶךְ4 of 9

“the king”

ham·me·leḵ

H4428
שִׂימוּ5 of 9

“Put”

śî·mū

H7760
אֶת6 of 9

“-”

'eṯ

H853
זֶה7 of 9

“this one”

zeh

H2088
בֵּית8 of 9

“in the house”

bêṯ

H1004
הַכֶּלֶא9 of 9

“of prison”

hak·ke·le

H3608

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 22:27 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 22:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 16:102 Chronicles 18:25-27Revelation 2:10Luke 3:20Psalms 127:21 Thessalonians 5:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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