1 Kings 20:16
1 Kings 20:16 in Multiple Translations
They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.
And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
And in the middle of the day they went out. But Ben-hadad was drinking in the tents with the thirty-two kings who were helping him.
They left at noon while Ben-hadad and the thirty-two kings with him were busy getting drunk in their tents.
And they went out at noone: but Ben-hadad did drinke till he was drunken in the tentes, both he and the Kings: for two and thirtie Kings helped him.
and they go out at noon, and Ben-Hadad is drinking — drunk in the booths, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings, helping him.
They went out at noon. But Ben Hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty-two kings who helped him.
And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
And they went out at noon. But Benadad was drinking himself drunk in his pavilion, and the two and thirty kings with him, who were come to help him.
They started to attack at noon, while Ben-Hadad and the other rulers were getting drunk in their temporary shelters.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:16
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 20:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
בַּֽ/צָּהֳרָ֑יִם
וּ/בֶן
הֲדַד֩
שֹׁתֶ֨ה
שִׁכּ֜וֹר
בַּ/סֻּכּ֗וֹת
ה֧וּא
וְ/הַ/מְּלָכִ֛ים
שְׁלֹשִֽׁים
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
מֶ֖לֶךְ
עֹזֵ֥ר
אֹתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בַּֽ/צָּהֳרָ֑יִם
tsôhar
H6672
midday
Prep | N-mp
וּ/בֶן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
Conj | N-proper
הֲדַד֩
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
N-proper
שֹׁתֶ֨ה
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal
שִׁכּ֜וֹר
shikkôwr
H7910
drunken
Adj
בַּ/סֻּכּ֗וֹת
çukkâh
H5521
booth
Prep | N-fp
ה֧וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/הַ/מְּלָכִ֛ים
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | Art | N-mp
שְׁלֹשִֽׁים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
עֹזֵ֥ר
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
V-Qal
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:16
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בַּֽ/צָּהֳרָ֑יִם
tsôhar
H6672
"midday"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a roof or a window, and can also mean noon or midday, likely due to the sun shining through a window at that time. It is used in descriptions of buildings and daily routines in the Bible.
Definition: 1) noon, midday 1a) noon (as specific time of day) 1b) noon (in simile as bright of happiness, blessing)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: midday, noon(-day, -tide), window. See also: Genesis 6:16; Psalms 37:6; Psalms 55:18.
וּ/בֶן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
Conj | N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
הֲדַד֩
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
שֹׁתֶ֨ה
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
שִׁכּ֜וֹר
shikkôwr
H7910
"drunken"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes being drunk, either as a one-time event or a habitual behavior. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who are intoxicated. The KJV translates it as 'drunk' or 'drunkard'.
Definition: 1) drunken 1a) drunken 1b) drunkard, drunken one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: drunk(-ard, -en, -en man). See also: 1 Samuel 1:13; Proverbs 26:9; Psalms 107:27.
בַּ/סֻּכּ֗וֹת
çukkâh
H5521
"booth"
Prep | N-fp
This word describes a small, temporary shelter or booth. It is used to describe a thicket or covert, as seen in the KJV translations. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tabernacles or tents of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) thicket, covert, booth 1a) thicket 1b) booth (rude or temporary shelter)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15; Psalms 18:12.
ה֧וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/הַ/מְּלָכִ֛ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
שְׁלֹשִֽׁים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עֹזֵ֥ר
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
V-Qal
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:16
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:16
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:16
Context — Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
14“By whom?” Ahab asked. And the prophet replied, “This is what the LORD says: ‘By the young officers of the district governors.’” “Who will start the battle?” asked Ahab. “You will,” answered the prophet.
15So Ahab assembled the young officers of the district governors, and there were 232 men. And after them, he assembled the rest of the Israelite troops, 7,000 in all.
16They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.
17And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.” 18“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 10:16–17 | Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time— for strength and not for drunkenness. |
| 2 | Hosea 4:11 | Promiscuity, wine, and new wine take away understanding. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 16:9 | However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 16:7 | Moreover, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha and his house, because of all the evil he had done in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands and becoming like the house of Jeroboam, and also because Baasha had struck down the house of Jeroboam. |
| 5 | Isaiah 54:15 | If anyone attacks you, it is not from Me; whoever assails you will fall before you. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 20:11–12 | And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city. |
| 7 | Proverbs 23:29–32 | Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. |
1 Kings 20:16 Summary
This verse, 1 Kings 20:16, shows how the Israelites trusted God and marched out to battle at a time when their enemies were weakest, due to their drunken state. The Israelites' victory was not just due to their military strength, but also because of God's providence and sovereignty, as seen in other biblical accounts, such as Exodus 14:13-14. By trusting in God, we can face our own challenges with confidence, knowing that He is our Rock and our Deliverer, as seen in Psalm 18:2. Just like the Israelites, we can trust God to help us overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting it may seem, and to give us the strength and courage we need to face our enemies, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the timing of the Israelites' march in 1 Kings 20:16?
The Israelites marched out at noon, which was a time when Ben-hadad and his allies were most vulnerable due to their drunken state, as seen in 1 Kings 20:16, illustrating God's providence in battle, similar to the divine intervention seen in Exodus 14:13-14.
Why were Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him getting drunk in their tents?
Ben-hadad and his allies were overconfident and complacent, leading to their intoxication, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, such as in Proverbs 20:1, where it warns against the dangers of drunkenness.
What can we learn from the contrast between the Israelites' sobriety and the enemy's drunkenness in 1 Kings 20:16?
The contrast highlights the importance of being spiritually alert and prepared for battle, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8, where believers are warned to be vigilant and sober-minded, and in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, where they are encouraged to be alert and self-controlled.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in war?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty in war, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:4 and Judges 7:2, where God fights on behalf of His people, often using unexpected means to achieve victory, such as the use of the young officers of the district governors in 1 Kings 20:14-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are the potential consequences of underestimating one's enemies, as Ben-hadad did in 1 Kings 20:16, and how can I avoid making similar mistakes in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a sense of spiritual alertness and preparedness, like the Israelites in this verse, in order to face the challenges of my own life?
- What role does faith play in trusting God for victory, even when the odds seem insurmountable, as seen in 1 Kings 20:16 and other biblical accounts, such as Exodus 14:13-14 and Judges 7:2?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of 1 Kings 20:16 to my own life, by trusting in God's providence and sovereignty in the face of adversity?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:16
And they went out at noon,.... From Samaria, the two hundred and thirty two young men, and the 7000 Israelites, openly, with great spirit and courage, fearless and undaunted; but it is not said that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:16
And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:16
They went out at noon; when they were eating, and drinking, and secure from all fear and expectation of an assault.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:16
1 Kings 20:16 And they went out at noon. But Benhadad [was] drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.Ver. 16. And Benhadad was drinking himself drunk.] Security is the certain usher of destruction. See 1 Kings 20:12.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:16
16. they went out at noon] They had probably learnt that the royal banquet was in progress, and the moment would appear a favourable one. When the leaders were giving themselves up to self-indulgence the army would not be well-prepared for action. The words which follow shew that the revelry in the camp of the Syrians had been carried to a perilous length.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:16
drinking himself drunk - Ben-hadad meant probably to mark his utter contempt of his foe. Compare the contempt of Belshazzar Daniel 5:1-4.
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Divine Government—the Joy of Our World by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the divine government, highlighting the blessings of wise and just rulers and the consequences of weak and tyrannical leadership. He emphasizes the nec |
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Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em |
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Daniel Purposed in His Heart by Peter Bisset | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to God and the Bible in the midst of temptations. He uses the story of Daniel and his friends as an example o |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
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Do Not Gaze on Sin by Kjell Olsen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 23, specifically verses that warn against the dangers of alcohol and the deceptive pleasure of sin. He emphasizes the negat |
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Booze by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately addresses the destructive nature of alcohol and the liquor industry, likening it to a devilish force that harms individuals, families, and society. He emp |
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Strong Drink Versus Christianity by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the value of temperance in religious aggressive effort, emphasizing the need for Christians to actively engage in delivering others from evil habits and |