King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:31 Mean?

1 Kings 22:31 in the King James Version says “But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.”

1 Kings 22:31 · KJV

Salvation

Context

29

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

30

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle. I will: or, when he was to disguise himself, and enter into the battle

31

But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

32

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned aside to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out.

33

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

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 · 8 words
וּמֶלֶךְ1 of 8

“And the king”

ū·me·leḵ

H4428
אֲרָם2 of 8

“of Syria”

'ă·rām

H758
צִוָּה3 of 8

“had commanded”

ṣiw·wāh

H6680
אֶת4 of 8

“-”

'eṯ

H853
שָׂרֵי5 of 8

“the captains”

śā·rê

H8269
הָרֶכֶב6 of 8

“of chariots”

hā·re·ḵeḇ

H7393
שְׁלֹשִׁים7 of 8

“thirty”

šə·lō·šîm

H7970
וּשְׁנַיִם8 of 8

“and two”

ū·šə·na·yim

H8147

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 22:31 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 22:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 20:242 Chronicles 18:30Jeremiah 16:61 Kings 20:33-421 Kings 20:16Genesis 19:11

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 1 Kings 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

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