1 Kings 20:21
1 Kings 20:21 in Multiple Translations
Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans.
And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.
And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.
And the king of Israel went out and took the horses and the war-carriages, and made great destruction among the Aramaeans.
Then the king of Israel came out and attacked the horses and chariots. He inflicted a great defeat on the Arameans.
And the King of Israel went out, and smote the horses and charets, and with a great slaughter slew he the Aramites.
and the king of Israel goeth out, and smiteth the horses, and the charioteers, and hath smitten among the Aramaeans a great smiting.
The king of Israel went out and struck the horses and chariots, and killed the Syrians with a great slaughter.
And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.
But the king of Israel going out overthrew the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.
Then the king of Israel went out of the city, and he and his soldiers captured all the other Syrian horses and chariots, and also killed a large number of Syrian soldiers.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:21
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 20:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
מֶ֣לֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
אֶת
הַ/סּ֖וּס
וְ/אֶת
הָ/רָ֑כֶב
וְ/הִכָּ֥ה
בַ/אֲרָ֖ם
מַכָּ֥ה
גְדוֹלָֽה
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/סּ֖וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/רָ֑כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִכָּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
בַ/אֲרָ֖ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
Prep | N-proper
מַכָּ֥ה
makkâh
H4347
wound
N-fs
גְדוֹלָֽה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:21
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
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/סּ֖וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הָ/רָ֑כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/הִכָּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בַ/אֲרָ֖ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
Prep | N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
מַכָּ֥ה
makkâh
H4347
"wound"
N-fs
A wound or blow, also referring to carnage, pestilence, or defeat. It can describe physical harm, like a beating, or widespread suffering, like a plague.
Definition: 1) blow, wound, slaughter 1a) blow, stripe 1b) beating, scourging 1c) wound 1d) slaughter 1e) defeat, conquest 1f) plague
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beaten, blow, plague, slaughter, smote, [idiom] sore, stripe, stroke, wound(-ed). See also: Leviticus 26:21; 2 Chronicles 22:6; Psalms 64:8.
גְדוֹלָֽה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:21
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:21
Context — Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
19Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them,
20and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry.
21Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans.
22Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.” 23Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 3:18 | This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. |
| 2 | Judges 3:28 | “Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross over. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 3:24 | But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 14:20–22 | Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps of the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 17:52 | Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. |
| 6 | Judges 7:23–25 | Then the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and they pursued the Midianites. Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah. They also captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. So they pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan. |
1 Kings 20:21 Summary
In 1 Kings 20:21, the king of Israel attacks the horses and chariots of the Aramean army, which shows that he is trusting in God's power to give him victory. This verse teaches us that God is the one who gives us victory, and that we should trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 20:7. Just like the king of Israel, we can trust in God's power to help us overcome our challenges, and remember to give Him the glory for our successes, as encouraged in 1 Chronicles 16:34. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will help us achieve victory, just like He did for the king of Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Israel attack the horses and chariots in 1 Kings 20:21?
The king of Israel attacked the horses and chariots because he wanted to weaken the Aramean army, as seen in 1 Kings 20:21, and this tactic was likely inspired by the prophet's earlier message, as mentioned in 1 Kings 20:13-14, which emphasized trusting in God for victory.
What can we learn from the king of Israel's actions in this verse?
We can learn that sometimes God calls us to take bold action, like the king of Israel, and trust in His power, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6, to overcome our enemies and achieve victory.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Kings 20?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it shows the king of Israel's obedience to God's plan, which ultimately leads to the defeat of the Aramean army, as prophesied in 1 Kings 20:13-14, and serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 115:1.
What does this verse teach us about God's role in our battles?
This verse teaches us that God is the one who gives us victory, as stated in 1 Kings 20:13-14, and that our trust in Him is crucial, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and that we should acknowledge His power and sovereignty in all our endeavors.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and take bold action, like the king of Israel?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's power, as seen in 1 Kings 20:21, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways I can surrender my own strength and abilities to God, and let Him fight my battles, as seen in Exodus 14:14?
- How can I remember to give God the glory for my victories, rather than taking credit for myself, as warned against in Deuteronomy 8:14?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:21
And the king of Israel went out,.... Of Samaria; when he saw the Syrians fleeing, and his army pursuing, he went forth, perhaps, with more forces, who were now willing to join with him; Josephus (c)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:21
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 20:21
Went out, i.e. proceeded further in his march, and fought against them. The horses and chariots, i.e. the men that fought from them, or belonged to them; for so horses and chariots are sometimes taken. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:21
1 Kings 20:21 And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.Ver. 21. And slew the Syrians.] Whom God had smitten with fear, that cowardly passion, which betrayeth many, and exposeth them to more danger than those that stand it out to the utmost, the battle at Edgehill, for instance.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:21
21. And the king of Israel went out] Ahab’s part appears to have been a small one. He seems to have given directions to the young men, and to those that followed them, but himself to have tarried in Samaria, until the rout was seen to have begun.
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Heart-Faith and Not Mind-Faith - Part 4 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true faith in God, contrasting mere mental belief with heartfelt conviction. It warns against being absorbed in religious activities withou |