King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:36 Mean?

1 Kings 22:36 in the King James Version says “And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and ev...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 22:36 · KJV

Context

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.

37

So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria. was brought: Heb. came

38

And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 12 words
וַיַּעֲבֹר1 of 12

“And went”

way·ya·'ă·ḇōr

H5674
הָרִנָּה2 of 12

“a proclamation”

hā·rin·nāh

H7440
בַּמַּחֲנֶה3 of 12

“throughout the army”

bam·ma·ḥă·neh

H4264
כְּבֹא4 of 12

“about”

kə·ḇō

H935
הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ5 of 12

“the going down of the sun”

haš·še·meš

H8121
לֵאמֹר6 of 12

“saying”

lê·mōr

H559
אִישׁ7 of 12

“every man”

'îš

H376
אֶל8 of 12

“to”

'el

H413
עִירוֹ9 of 12

“his city”

'î·rō·w

H5892
וְאִישׁ10 of 12

“and every man”

wə·'îš

H376
אֶל11 of 12

“to”

'el

H413
אַרְצוֹ12 of 12

“his own country”

'ar·ṣō·w

H776

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 22:36 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 22:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 14:121 Kings 12:241 Kings 12:16Judges 21:24Judges 7:7-81 Kings 22:31

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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