King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:34 Mean?

1 Kings 22:34 in the King James Version says “And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. at a: Heb. in his simplicity joints: Heb. joints and the breastplate wounded: Heb. made sick”

1 Kings 22:34 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. at a: Heb. in his simplicity joints: Heb. joints and the breastplate wounded: Heb. made sick

35

And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. increased: Heb. ascended midst: Heb. bosom

36

And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

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 · 12 words
וְאִישׁ1 of 12

“And a man”

wə·'îš

H376
מָשַׁךְ2 of 12

“drew”

mā·šaḵ

H4900
בַקֶּשֶׁת3 of 12

“a bow”

ḇaq·qe·šeṯ

H7198
לְתֻמּוֹ4 of 12

“at random”

lə·ṯum·mō·w

H8537
וַיַּךְ5 of 12

“and struck”

way·yaḵ

H5221
אֶת6 of 12

“-”

'eṯ

H853
מֶלֶךְ7 of 12

“the king”

me·leḵ

H4428
יִשְׂרָאֵל8 of 12

“of Israel”

yiś·rā·'êl

H3478
בֵּין9 of 12

“between”

bên

H996
הַדְּבָקִים10 of 12

“the joints”

had·də·ḇā·qîm

H1694
וּבֵין11 of 12

“and”

ū·ḇên

H996
הַשִּׁרְיָן12 of 12

“the armor”

haš·šir·yān

H8302

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 22:34 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 22:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 35:23Micah 6:13Revelation 9:91 Samuel 17:492 Chronicles 18:302 Samuel 15:11

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