1 Kings 13:12

1 Kings 13:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Which way did he go?” their father asked. And his sons showed him the way taken by the man of God, who had come from Judah.

King James Version KJV

And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.

American Standard Version ASV

And their father said unto them, What way went he? Now his sons had seen what way the man of God went, that came from Judah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then their father said to them, Which way did he go? Now his sons had seen which way the man of God who came from Judah had gone.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Which way did he go?” their father asked them. So his sons showed him the way taken by the man of God from Judah.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And their father sayde vnto them, What way went he? and his sonnes shewed him what waye the man of God went, which came from Iudah.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And their father saith unto them, 'Where [is] this — the way he hath gone?' and his sons see the way that the man of God hath gone who came from Judah.

World English Bible WEB

Their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” Now his sons had seen which way the man of God went, who came from Judah.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And their father said to them, What way went he? for his sons had seen what way the man of God went, who came from Judah.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And their father said to them: What way went he? His sons shewed him the way by which the man of God went, who came out of Juda.

Translation for Translators T4T

Their father said, “On which road did he go?” So his sons showed him the road on which the prophet from Judah had gone when he left Bethel.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 13:12

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 13:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם אֵֽי זֶ֥ה הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ הָלָ֑ךְ וַ/יִּרְא֣וּ בָנָ֗י/ו אֶת הַ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָלַךְ֙ אִ֣ישׁ הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר בָּ֖א מִ/יהוּדָֽה

וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

אֵֽי ʼay H335 where? Part

זֶ֥ה zeh H2088 this Pron

הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 way Art | N-cs

הָלָ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וַ/יִּרְא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

בָנָ֗י/ו bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ derek H1870 way Art | N-cs

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הָלַךְ֙ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מִ/יהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 13:12

וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

אֵֽי ʼay H335 "where?" Part

The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.

Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.

זֶ֥ה zeh H2088 "this" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Art | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

הָלָ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

וַ/יִּרְא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

בָנָ֗י/ו bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ derek H1870 "way" Art | N-cs

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

הָלַךְ֙ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

מִ/יהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" Prep | N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 13:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
1 Kings 13:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 13:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 13:12
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:12
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 13:12

Context — The Old Prophet and the Man of God

10So the man of God went another way and did not return by the way he had come to Bethel. 11Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king.

12“Which way did he go?” their father asked. And his sons showed him the way taken by the man of God, who had come from Judah.

13So the prophet said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” Then they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it 14and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied.

1 Kings 13:12 Summary

[This verse shows how the old prophet asked his sons about the man of God's direction, and they told him which way he went, as seen in 1 Kings 13:12. The old prophet wanted to meet the man of God and learn from him, which is a good example of being humble and teachable, like in Proverbs 1:7. We can learn from this that it's good to be curious and want to learn from others, but we also need to make sure we're following God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1-2. By prioritizing obedience to God, we can avoid potential consequences and stay on the right path, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the old prophet ask his sons about the man of God's direction?

The old prophet asked his sons about the man of God's direction because he was interested in meeting him, as seen in 1 Kings 13:12, and wanted to know where to find him, which shows the prophet's curiosity and desire to connect with the man of God, similar to how Jesus seeks out those who are lost, as in Luke 19:10.

What can we learn from the old prophet's actions in this verse?

We can learn from the old prophet's actions that he was eager to meet the man of God and learn from him, which demonstrates a humble and teachable spirit, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 25:9.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Kings 13?

This verse is a pivotal part of the story in 1 Kings 13, as it sets the stage for the old prophet's encounter with the man of God, which ultimately leads to the man of God's disobedience and consequences, as seen in 1 Kings 13:20-24, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

What does this verse reveal about the old prophet's character?

This verse reveals that the old prophet was curious and possibly seeking to learn from the man of God, but it also sets the stage for his later actions, which are motivated by a desire to test the man of God, as seen in 1 Kings 13:18, showing that even well-intentioned individuals can be misled, as warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate a humble and teachable spirit in my own life, like the old prophet in this verse?
How can I balance my desire for knowledge and connection with others, like the old prophet, with the need to prioritize obedience to God's commands?
What are some potential consequences of prioritizing human connections over obedience to God, as seen in the story of the man of God and the old prophet?
In what ways can I seek out wise counsel and guidance from others, like the old prophet seeking out the man of God, while still prioritizing obedience to God's Word?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 13:12

And their father said unto them, what way went he?.... Having a strong inclination to see him, and converse with him: for his sons had seen what way the man of God went which came from Judah; they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 13:12

And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:12

1 Kings 13:12 And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.Ver. 12. For his sons had seen what way the man of God went.] As well they might, for he went away immediately after he had delivered his message, which also was such as they had reason to look after him; though better they had not, since by that means their father fell into so grievous a sin.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 13:12

12. For (R.V. Now) his sons had seen] This rendering is in accordance with the Massoretic pointing εַ ?ιִ ?ψְ ?ΰεּ but all the Versions translate as if the verb had been εַ ?ιַ ?ψְ ?ΰεּ, the Hiphil, ‘and his sons shewed him’.

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