King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:4 Mean?

1 Kings 22:4 in the King James Version says “And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead ? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israe...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead ? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.”

1 Kings 22:4 · KJV

Context

2

And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel.

3

And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? still: Heb. silent from taking it

4

And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead ? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.

5

And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.

6

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.

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 · 8 words
וַיֹּאמֶר1 of 8

“And he said”

way·yō·mer

H559
אֶל2 of 8

“to”

'el

H413
יְהוֹשָׁפָט3 of 8

“Jehoshaphat”

yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ

H3092
הֲתֵלֵךְ4 of 8

“Will you go”

hă·ṯê·lêḵ

H1980
אִתִּי5 of 8

“with me”

'it·tî

H854
לַמִּלְחָמָה6 of 8

“to battle”

lam·mil·ḥā·māh

H4421
רָמֹת7 of 8

“at Ramoth”

rā·mōṯ

H7433
גִּלְעָד8 of 8

“Gilead”

gil·'āḏ

H1568

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 22:4 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 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 3:7Ephesians 5:112 John 1:112 Chronicles 18:32 Chronicles 19:21 Corinthians 15:33

Places in This Verse

Ramoth-gileadSettlement · Modern: Tall er Rumeith · 32.50°N, 36.01°E20 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Kings 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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