King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:6 Mean?

1 Kings 22:6 in the King James Version says “Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against R...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 22:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?

8

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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
וַיִּקְבֹּץ1 of 8

“Then gathered together”

way·yiq·bōṣ

H6908
מֶלֶךְ2 of 8

“the king”

me·leḵ

H4428
יִשְׂרָאֵל3 of 8

“of Israel”

yiś·rā·'êl

H3478
אֶת4 of 8

“-”

'eṯ

H853
הַנְּבִיאִים5 of 8

“the prophets”

han·nə·ḇî·'îm

H5030
כְּאַרְבַּע6 of 8

“about four”

kə·'ar·ba'

H702
מֵאוֹת7 of 8

“hundred”

mê·'ō·wṯ

H3967
אִישׁ8 of 8

“men”

'îš

H376

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 22:6 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 22:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:19Jeremiah 23:14-17Ezekiel 13:22Ezekiel 13:7-16Matthew 7:152 Timothy 4:3

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

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