1 Kings 20:4
1 Kings 20:4 in Multiple Translations
And the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.”
And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have.
And the king of Israel answered and said, It is according to thy saying, my lord, O king; I am thine, and all that I have.
And the king of Israel sent him an answer saying, As you say, my lord king, I am yours with all I have.
“It's as you say, my lord the king,” the king of Israel replied. “I am yours, as well as everything that belongs to me.”
And the King of Israel answered, and sayd, My lord King, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I haue.
And the king of Israel answereth and saith, 'According to thy word, my lord, O king: I [am] thine, and all that I have.'
The king of Israel answered, “It is according to your saying, my lord, O king. I am yours, and all that I have.”
And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have.
And the king of Israel answered: According to thy word, my lord O king, I am thine, and all that I have.
The king of Israel replied to them, “Tell this to King Ben-Hadad: ‘I agree to do what you requested. You can have me and everything that I own.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:4
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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
מֶֽלֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
כִּ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֖
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
לְ/ךָ֥
אֲנִ֖י
וְ/כָל
אֲשֶׁר
לִֽ/י
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֖
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לְ/ךָ֥
Prep | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:4
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
מֶֽלֶךְ
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
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/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כִּ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֖
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | 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.
לְ/ךָ֥
""
Prep | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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.
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.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:4
Context — Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria
2Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel,
3saying, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and your best wives and children are mine!’”
4And the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.”
5The messengers came back and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent to you to demand your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children. 6But about this time tomorrow I will send my servants to search your palace and the houses of your servants. They will seize and carry away all that is precious to you.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 15:11–13 | In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied. But they said to him, “We have come down to arrest you and hand you over to the Philistines.” Samson replied, “Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves.” “No,” they answered, “we will not kill you, but we will tie you up securely and hand you over to them.” So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 28:48 | you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 13:6–7 | Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear. |
| 4 | Leviticus 26:36 | As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 18:14–16 | So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. |
1 Kings 20:4 Summary
In this verse, King Ahab of Israel is responding to the demands of Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, and he agrees to give him everything he wants. This shows that King Ahab is not trusting in God's power to deliver him, but instead is relying on his own strength and resources. As believers, we can learn from this example that we should trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than giving in to the pressures and demands of the world, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can stand firm in our faith and resist the pressures of the world, just like the biblical heroes of faith, such as Daniel and his friends in Daniel 3:16-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Ahab of Israel agree to give Ben-hadad everything he demanded?
King Ahab may have been trying to avoid conflict or war, as seen in his initial response to Ben-hadad's demands, but this act of submission may also be a sign of his lack of faith in God's power to deliver him, as seen in other biblical accounts such as 1 Kings 21:25-26 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Is it ever right to surrender to an enemy's demands, as King Ahab did?
While surrendering to an enemy's demands may seem like an easy way out, it is not always the right decision, as it can lead to further oppression and harm, as seen in this passage and in Exodus 14:13-14, where God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians.
What can we learn from King Ahab's response to Ben-hadad's demands?
We can learn that surrendering to the demands of others, especially when they go against God's will, can lead to negative consequences and that we should trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse relate to our own lives and struggles?
This verse reminds us that we should not give in to the pressures and demands of the world, but instead trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to give in to the demands of others, rather than trusting in God's power and provision?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision to my own struggles and challenges?
- What are some ways that I can stand firm in my faith and resist the pressures of the world, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 1 Peter 5:8-9?
- What does it mean for me to be 'yours, along with all that I have', as King Ahab said, and how can I live out this surrender to God in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:4
And the king of Israel answered and said, my lord, O king,.... So he said to Benhadad's messengers, representing him, as acknowledging his sovereignty over him: according to thy saying, I am thine,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:4
And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
I do so far comply with thy demand, that I will own thee for my lord, and myself for thy vassal and tributary; and will hold my wives, and children, and estate as by thy favour, and with an acknowledgment. But it is not likely that he would deliver up his wives and children into the barbarian’ s hand, or that his proud and imperious wife Jezebel would permit him to do so.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
1 Kings 20:4 And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I [am] thine, and all that I have.Ver. 4. I am thine, and all that I have.] This, say some, was responsum admodum muliebre, a very cowardly answer of Ahab. Others hold that he did well and wisely, whilst, as a reed in a tempest, he thus stoopeth to the violent charge of so potent an enemy. It is not for the overpowered to capitulate; weakness may not argue, but yield.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
Verse 4. I am thine, and all that I have.] He probably hoped by this humiliation to soften this barbarous king, and perhaps to get better conditions.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:4
4. according to thy saying] The R.V. inserts It is before these words and thus brings out the division of the verse as marked in the Hebrew. The order of words in the original is ‘It is according to thy saying, my lord, O king.’
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:4
4. I am thine, and all that I have — He pusillanimously agrees to make himself and his whole kingdom tributary to Ben-hadad.
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of absolute surrender to God, using the example of King Ahab's complete submission to Ben-hadad as a model for believers. He asserts that tru |
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Our Surrender to Jesus by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to Jesus, drawing from 2 Corinthians 8:5, which highlights the need for continual renewal of this commitment. He enc |
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You Have a Greater Interest in Me, Than I Have in Myself by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound act of surrendering oneself to God, illustrating that true godliness involves a complete relinquishment of personal desires in favor of divine |
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Christ and His Children by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the concept of timidity, exploring its various facets such as lack of mental or moral strength, reticence, cowardice, and shameful fear. Drawing from bibli |
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Ruled by Enemy Power or God's Power by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, Julie Graham emphasizes the importance of being faithful and honest with money in order to receive God's blessings. She uses the example of King Hezekiah, who had t |