1 Kings 20:8
1 Kings 20:8 in Multiple Translations
And the elders and the people all said, “Do not listen to him or consent to his terms.”
And all the elders and all the people said unto him, Hearken not unto him, nor consent.
And all the elders and all the people said unto him, Hearken thou not, neither consent.
And all the responsible men and the people said to him, Do not give attention to him or do what he says.
All the elders and all the people present responded, “Don't listen to him. Don't agree to his demands.”
And all the Elders, and all the people sayd to him, Hearken not vnto him, nor consent.
And all the elders and all the people say unto him, 'Do not hearken, nor consent.'
All the elders and all the people said to him, “Don’t listen, and don’t consent.”
And all the elders and all the people said to him, Hearken not to him , nor consent.
And all the ancients, and all the people said to him: Hearken not to him, nor consent to him.
The leaders and all the other people said to him, “Do not pay any attention to him! Do not do what he is requesting!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:8
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 20:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
אֵלָ֛י/ו
כָּל
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֖ים
וְ/כָל
הָ/עָ֑ם
אַל
תִּשְׁמַ֖ע
וְ/ל֥וֹא
תֹאבֶֽה
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֖ים
zâqên
H2205
old
Art | Adj
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּשְׁמַ֖ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
וְ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תֹאבֶֽה
ʼâbâh
H14
be willing
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:8
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
אֵלָ֛י/ו
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֖ים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
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.
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּשְׁמַ֖ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאבֶֽה
ʼâbâh
H14
"be willing"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria
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.’”
7Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.”
8And the elders and the people all said, “Do not listen to him or consent to his terms.”
9So Ahab answered the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you demanded of your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” So the messengers departed and relayed the message to Ben-hadad. 10Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.”1 Kings 20:8 Summary
[This verse shows how the elders and people of Israel stood together and advised their king not to give in to the demands of Ben-hadad, a powerful and oppressive leader. They recognized that giving in would lead to further trouble and loss of freedom, and they wanted to trust in God instead. As we face our own challenges and pressures, we can learn from their example and remember that standing up for what is right, even when it's hard, is often the best choice (Proverbs 29:25, Daniel 3:16-18). By trusting in God and seeking wisdom from others, we can make decisions that honor Him and bring us peace.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the elders and people to advise the king not to listen to Ben-hadad?
The elders and people advised the king not to listen to Ben-hadad because they recognized the unreasonable and oppressive demands he was making, as seen in 1 Kings 20:6, and they understood that giving in to such demands would lead to further trouble and loss of freedom, as warned in Proverbs 29:25.
Why did the elders and people feel so strongly about not consenting to Ben-hadad's terms?
The elders and people felt strongly about not consenting to Ben-hadad's terms because they knew that doing so would be a betrayal of their trust in God and would lead to the loss of their autonomy and dignity as a nation, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 17:14-15 and Psalm 106:35-36.
How does this verse relate to the concept of standing up for what is right in the face of opposition?
This verse illustrates the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with opposition or pressure to compromise, as seen in the example of Daniel refusing to bow to the king's idol in Daniel 3:16-18 and the apostles refusing to stop preaching in Acts 5:29.
What can we learn from the unity of the elders and people in their response to Ben-hadad?
We can learn the value of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity, as seen in this verse, and the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel from others, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14 and 24:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to compromise my values or convictions, and how can I stand firm like the elders and people in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a sense of unity and solidarity with others in my community or church, especially when faced with challenges or opposition?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of not giving in to unreasonable demands or pressures in my own life, and what are some biblical principles that can guide me in making such decisions?
- What are some potential consequences of giving in to pressure or compromise, and how can I avoid such pitfalls in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:8
And all the elders and all the people said unto him,.... They were unanimous in their advice: hearken not [unto him], nor consent; promising, no doubt, that they would stand by him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:8
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.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:8
1 Kings 20:8 And all the elders and all the people said unto him, Hearken not [unto him], nor consent.Ver. 8. Hearken not unto him.] Stand to the issue of a bloody war rather. “ Victorem a victo superari saepe videmus. A cane non magno saepe tenetur aper. ”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:8
Verse 8. Hearken not unto him] The elders had every thing at stake, and they chose rather to make a desperate defense than tamely to yield to such degrading and ruinous conditions.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:8
8. Hearken not unto him, nor consent] The R.V. omits the needless italics and reads neither instead of nor. The shorter the form of such a decision the better and more natural.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:8
“The people” had no distinct place in the ordinary Jewish or Israelite constitution; but they were accustomed to signify their approbation or disapprobation of the decisions of the elders by