King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:8 Mean?

1 Kings 22:8 in the King James Version says “And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 22:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. officer: or, eunuch

10

And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. void: Heb. floor

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 9 words
וַיֹּאמֶר1 of 9

“And said”

way·yō·mer

H559
מֶלֶךְ2 of 9

“the king”

me·leḵ

H4428
יִשְׂרָאֵל3 of 9

“of Israel”

yiś·rā·'êl

H3478
עוֹד4 of 9

“yet”

'ō·wḏ

H5750
אִישׁ5 of 9

“one man”

'îš

H376
אֶחָד6 of 9

“one”

'e·ḥāḏ

H259
מִיכָיְהוּ7 of 9

“Micaiah”

mî·ḵā·yə·hū

H4321
בֶן8 of 9

“son”

ḇen

H1121
יִמְלָה9 of 9

“of Imlah”

yim·lāh

H3229

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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 5:10John 17:14John 3:19-21John 7:7John 15:18-19Micah 2:7

Test Your Knowledge

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