King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:38 Mean?

1 Kings 22:38 in the King James Version says “And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; accordi...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 22:38 · KJV

Context

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.

39

Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

40

So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַיִּשְׁטֹף1 of 10

“And washed”

way·yiš·ṭōp̄

H7857
אֶת2 of 10

“-”

'eṯ

H853
הָרֶכֶב3 of 10

“the chariot”

hā·re·ḵeḇ

H7393
עַל4 of 10

“at”

'al

H5921
בְּרֵכַת5 of 10

“a pool”

bə·rê·ḵaṯ

H1295
שֹׁמְרוֹן6 of 10

“of Samaria”

šō·mə·rō·wn

H8111
וַיָּלֹקּוּ7 of 10

“and licked up”

way·yā·lōq·qū

H3952
הַכְּלָבִים8 of 10

“the dogs”

hak·kə·lā·ḇîm

H3611
אֶת9 of 10

“-”

'eṯ

H853
דָּמוֹ10 of 10

“his blood”

dā·mō·w

H1818

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 22:38 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 22:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 21:19Matthew 24:35Isaiah 48:3-5Zechariah 1:4-6Jeremiah 44:21-23Isaiah 44:25-26

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 1 Kings 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

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