1 Kings 20:38
1 Kings 20:38 in Multiple Translations
and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.
So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes.
So the prophet went away, and pulling his head-band over his eyes to keep his face covered, took his place by the road waiting for the king.
Then the prophet went and stood beside the road, waiting for the king. He had disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
So the Prophet departed, and wayted for the King by the way, and disguised himselfe with ashes vpon his face.
and the prophet goeth and standeth for the king on the way, and disguiseth himself with ashes on his eyes.
So the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes.
So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.
So the prophet went, and met the king in the way, and disguised himself by sprinkling dust on his face and his eyes.
Then the prophet put a large bandage/cloth over his face so that no one would recognize him. Then he went and stood alongside the road, waiting for the king to come by.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:38
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 20:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
הַ/נָּבִ֔יא
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
עַל
הַ/דָּ֑רֶךְ
וַ/יִּתְחַפֵּ֥שׂ
בָּ/אֲפֵ֖ר
עַל
עֵינָֽי/ו
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/נָּבִ֔יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/דָּ֑רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Art | N-cs
וַ/יִּתְחַפֵּ֥שׂ
châphas
H2664
to search
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּ/אֲפֵ֖ר
ʼăphêr
H666
bandage
Prep | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֵינָֽי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:38
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 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) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
הַ/נָּבִ֔יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-ms
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | 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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/דָּ֑רֶךְ
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.
וַ/יִּתְחַפֵּ֥שׂ
châphas
H2664
"to search"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for search means to look for something or someone, and can also mean to disguise oneself or hide. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:2, where it means to seek God's commands.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, to search out, disguise oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search for 1a2) to think out, devise 1a3) to search, test 1b) (Niphal) to be searched out, be exposed 1c) (Piel) to search, search through, search for 1d) (Pual) to be searched for, be sought out 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to disguise oneself 1e2) to let oneself be searched for
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out). See also: Genesis 31:35; Job 30:18; Psalms 64:7.
בָּ/אֲפֵ֖ר
ʼăphêr
H666
"bandage"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a covering or bandage, often on the head. In some Bible translations, it is rendered as ashes, but its original meaning is more like a turban or headband. It appears in passages like Job 2:12.
Definition: covering, bandage
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: 1 Kings 20:38; 1 Kings 20:41.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֵינָֽי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:38
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:38
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:38
Context — A Prophet Reproves Ahab
36Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him.
37Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him,
38and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
39As the king passed by, he cried out to the king: “Your servant had marched out into the middle of the battle, when suddenly a man came over with a captive and told me, ‘Guard this man! If he goes missing for any reason, your life will be exchanged for his life, or you will weigh out a talent of silver. ’ 40But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 14:2 | and Jeroboam said to his wife, “Now get up, disguise yourself so they will not recognize you as my wife, and go to Shiloh. For Ahijah the prophet is there; it was he who spoke about my kingship over this people. |
| 2 | Matthew 6:16 | When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 22:30 | And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 14:2 | So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. |
1 Kings 20:38 Summary
[In 1 Kings 20:38, the prophet disguises himself with a bandage over his eyes to appear wounded and to test the king's obedience to God. This story teaches us about the importance of listening to and obeying God's voice, as seen in verses like 1 Samuel 15:22 and Jeremiah 7:23. The prophet's actions show us that God often uses unexpected and challenging circumstances to test our faith and obedience, similar to the example in James 1:2-4. By studying this verse, we can learn to be more attentive to God's voice and to trust in His plan, even when it's difficult or hard to understand.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the prophet disguise himself with a bandage over his eyes in 1 Kings 20:38?
The prophet disguised himself to conceal his identity and to appear as if he had been wounded in battle, which would make his story more believable to the king, as seen in the context of 1 Kings 20:37 where he asked to be struck and wounded.
What was the purpose of the prophet's actions in 1 Kings 20:38?
The prophet's actions were a test for the king, to see if he would obey the voice of the Lord, as the prophet had previously warned him in 1 Kings 20:36, and to illustrate the consequences of disobedience, similar to the example in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience to God?
This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in 1 Kings 20:36, and the consequences of disobedience, which is a theme throughout the Bible, including in verses such as Joshua 1:7-8 and Matthew 28:20.
What can we learn from the prophet's boldness in 1 Kings 20:38?
The prophet's boldness in approaching the king and sharing his message, despite the risks, demonstrates the importance of standing up for what is right and sharing God's truth, as seen in examples like Esther 4:16 and Acts 4:29-31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be more obedient to God's voice in my life, just like the prophet was in 1 Kings 20:38?
- How can I, like the prophet, be bold in sharing God's truth with others, even if it's uncomfortable or difficult?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'disguising' myself or hiding my true identity, and how can I be more authentic in my relationships with others?
- How can I learn to trust God's plan, even when it involves difficult or challenging circumstances, like the prophet's test for the king in 1 Kings 20:38?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:38
So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way,.... As he went from Aphek, the place where the battle had been fought, to Samaria, his royal seat: and disguised himself with ashes upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:38
Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
That he might sooner gain access to the king, and audience from him. See Poole "". With ashes; whereby he changed the colour of it. Or, with a veil, or cloth, or band, (as the Hebrew doctors understand the word,) whereby he might seem to have bound up his wound, which probably was in his face; for it was to be made in a very conspicuous place, that it might be visible to Ahab and others.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.Ver. 38. And disguised himself.] He slurried his face with ashes cast upon blood, that he might not appear to be a prophet; for then guilty Ahab would not have heard him, especially being now puffed up by his great victory.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
(38) Ashes upon his face.—It should be a “bandage over his head,” to cover his face, and to accord with the appearance of a wounded soldier. Unless the wound had some symbolic significance in application to Ahab or Israel, it is difficult to see what purpose it could serve.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
Verse 38. Disguised himself with ashes upon his face.] It does not immediately appear how putting ashes upon his face could disguise him. Instead of אפר apher, dust, Houbigant conjectures that it should be אפד aphad, a fillet or bandage. It is only the corner of the last letter which makes the difference; for the ד daleth and ר resh are nearly the same, only the shoulder of the former is square, the latter round. That bandage, not dust, was the original reading, seems pretty evident from its remains in two of the oldest versions, the Septuagint and the Chaldee; the former has Καικατεδησατοεντελαμωνιτουςοφθαλμουςαυτου, "And he bound his eyes with a fillet." The latter has וכריך במעפריאעינוהי ukerich bemaaphira einohi; "And he covered his eyes with a cloth." The MSS. of Kennicott and De Rossi contain no various reading here; but bandage is undoubtedly the true one. However, in the way of mortification, both the Jews and Hindoos put ashes upon their heads and faces, and make themselves sufficiently disgusting.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:38
38. waited for the king by the way] He wished to intercept Ahab just as he was coming from his interview with Ben-hadad. A parallel this to the lion meeting the disobedient prophet as soon as he had departed from his fellow. and disguised himself] With this action may be compared the assumed mourning garb of the widow of Tekoah (2 Samuel 14:2). with ashes upon his face] R.V. with his head band over his eyes. The A. V. is the rendering of the Vulg. and Syriac, and is the result of taking ΰֲ ?τֵ ?ψ in the text as the same ΰֵ ?τֶ ?ψ which means ‘dust’, ‘ashes’. The LXX. has the true sense in τελαμών = a bandage, while the Chaldee translates it as ‘a veil’. When the proper meaning is given to the first word, the common rendering ‘eyes’ for the second can be brought in.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:38
Ashes - Rather, “a bandage” (and in 1 Kings 20:41). The object of the wound and bandage was double.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:38
38. With ashes upon his face — Rather, with a bandage over his eyes. ΰτψ, a bandage, a fillet or head band. Septuagint, τελαμων.
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Top Priorities -- Imperative Firsts by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong emphasizes the importance of setting priorities and top priorities in life, drawing parallels to the critical decisions made during wartime. He highlights the danger |
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Repent, Repent, Repent by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his |
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Fasting by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of fasting as a form of worship. He begins by emphasizing the importance of fasting in secret, rather than seeking attention from |
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Prayer and Fasting - When You Fast by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the importance of fasting as a key to effective praying, highlighting the need for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It dra |
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Hungry for God by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a strong relationship with God and with fellow believers. He shares a story about a week of prayer in a church where |
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(Through the Bible) Matthew 23-24 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being watchful and ready for the return of Jesus. He mentions the parable of the faithful and wise servant who is entrusted |
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Do You Trust in Your God or in Your Money? by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of Christians not living according to the teachings of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God and |