1 Kings 21:20
1 Kings 21:20 in Multiple Translations
When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.
And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.
And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee, because thou hast sold thyself to do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah.
And Ahab said to Elijah, Have you come face to face with me, O my hater? And he said, I have come to you because you have given yourself up to do evil in the eyes of the Lord.
“So have you come to find me, my enemy?” Ahab asked Elijah. “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the Lord's sight,” Elijah replied.
And Ahab sayd to Eliiah, Hast thou found mee, O mine enemie? And he answered, I haue found thee: for thou hast solde thy selfe to worke wickednes in the sight of the Lord.
And Ahab saith unto Elijah, 'Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?' and he saith, 'I have found — because of thy selling thyself to do the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah;
Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do that which is evil in the LORD’s sight.
And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O my enemy? And he answered, I have found thee : because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.
And Achab said to Elias: Hast thou found me thy enemy? He said: I have found thee, because thou art sold, to do evil in the sight of the Lord.
So when Elijah met with Ahab, Ahab said to him, “You, my enemy, have found me!” [RHQ] Elijah answered, “Yes, I have found you. You have never stopped doing the things that Yahweh says are wrong.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:20
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 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אַחְאָב֙
אֶל
אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ
הַֽ/מְצָאתַ֖/נִי
אֹיְבִ֑/י
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
מָצָ֔אתִי
יַ֚עַן
הִתְמַכֶּרְ/ךָ֔
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
הָ/רַ֖ע
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
הַֽ/מְצָאתַ֖/נִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
אֹיְבִ֑/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מָצָ֔אתִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
יַ֚עַן
yaʻan
H3282
because
Conj
הִתְמַכֶּרְ/ךָ֔
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָ/רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 21:20
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
הַֽ/מְצָאתַ֖/נִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אֹיְבִ֑/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
מָצָ֔אתִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
יַ֚עַן
yaʻan
H3282
"because"
Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
הִתְמַכֶּרְ/ךָ֔
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הָ/רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
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.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 21:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:20
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
- Sermons on 1 Kings 21:20
Context — Elijah Denounces Ahab and Jezebel
18“Get up and go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria. See, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession of it.
19Tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his land?’ Then tell him that this is also what the LORD says: ‘In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ”
20When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.
21This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. 22I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 17:17 | They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. |
| 2 | Romans 7:14 | We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 21:25 | (Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 18:17 | When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” |
| 5 | Isaiah 52:3 | For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” |
| 6 | Revelation 11:10 | And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them, and will celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 21:2 | And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 8 | Ephesians 4:19 | Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. |
| 9 | Mark 12:12 | At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away. |
| 10 | Amos 5:10 | There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity. |
1 Kings 21:20 Summary
[This verse shows us that God sees everything we do, and He will not let evil go unpunished. Ahab thought he could get away with his sin, but God sent Elijah to confront him. We can learn from this that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, as seen in Colossians 3:17. By living with a sense of God's presence and accountability, we can avoid the path of evil and instead choose to follow God's ways, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'sell oneself to do evil' as mentioned in 1 Kings 21:20?
According to the Bible, selling oneself to do evil means to give in to sin and its desires, much like what is described in Romans 7:14, where our flesh can be sold as a slave to sin, and in 2 Peter 2:3, where false teachers exploit people for their own gain, demonstrating a heart that has been 'sold' to evil purposes.
Is Ahab's response to Elijah an admission of guilt?
Ahab's statement 'So you have found me out, my enemy' in 1 Kings 21:20 implies that he knows Elijah has discovered his wrongdoing, but it does not necessarily mean he is remorseful, as seen in other instances in the Bible where people acknowledge their sin without repenting, such as Pharaoh in Exodus 9:27.
How does this verse relate to God's justice?
This verse shows that God is a just God who sees all and will not let evil go unpunished, as stated in Psalm 37:13, where the Lord sees the wicked and awaits them to condemn them, and in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God's ways are perfect and just.
What can we learn from Elijah's boldness in confronting Ahab?
Elijah's boldness in confronting Ahab teaches us the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, just as the apostle Paul encourages us to do in Ephesians 6:20, to speak the truth boldly, and as seen in the example of other prophets in the Bible, such as Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:17-19.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Elijah, stand up for God's truth in my own life, even when it's difficult?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'selling myself to do evil', and how can I turn away from those things?
- What does it mean to live my life 'in the sight of the Lord', as mentioned in this verse, and how can I cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in my daily life?
- In what ways can I show compassion and love to those who are caught up in sin, just as Elijah showed compassion to Ahab, even in his confrontation?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:20
And Ahab said to Elijah, hast thou found me, O mine enemy?.... So he reckoned him, because he dealt faithfully with him, and reproved him for his sins, and denounced the judgments of God upon him for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:20
And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
Ahab said to Elijah; upon and after his delivery of the message last mentioned, which it was needless to repeat. Hast thou found me? Dost thou pursue me from place to place? Wilt thou never let me rest? Art thou come after me hither with thy unwelcome messages? O mine enemy; that art always disturbing, threatening, and opposing me, and expressing not so much God’ s mind as thy own hatred and enmity against me. Compare . I have found thee; the hand of God hath found and overtaken thee in the very act of thy sin. Thou hast sold thyself; thou hast wilfully and wholly resigned up thyself to be the bond-slave of the devil, or Baal, and of wicked Jezebel, to do whatsoever they persuade thee to do; as a man that sells himself to another is totally in his master’ s power, and must employ all his time and strength for his service. Compare : See Poole "".
In the sight, i.e. impudently and contemptuously. Withal he minds him, that although his sin was in a great measure hid from the eyes of men by Jezebel’ s cunning contrivance, yet it was evident and known to God, who would require it at his hands.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
1 Kings 21:20 And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.Ver. 20. Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?] And why an enemy, but because he told him the truth? See Micah 2:7. Truth breedeth hatred, as the fair nymphs are feigned to have done the foul fauni and satyrs. “ An expectas ut Quintilianus ametur? ” - Juvenal. Because thou hast sold thyself to work evil.] Though thou art sure to rue the bargain; as at length all those shall that abandon themselves to wicked practices, ut fiant pabulum morris et fomentum Gehennae. Such dustheaps are to be found in every corner - men that work "all uncleanness with greediness." In the sight of the Lord.] And, as it were, in despite of him.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
(20) Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?—The cry is partly of dismay, partly of excuse. Ahab, having no word of defence to utter, endeavours to attribute Elijah’s rebuke and condemnation to simple enmity, much as in 1 Kings 18:17 he cries out “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” The crushing answer is that the prophet came not because he was an enemy, but because Ahab had “sold himself”—had become a slave instead of a king—under the lust of desire and the temptation of Jezebel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
Verse 20. Thou hast sold thyself to work evil] See a similar form of speech, Romans 7:14. Thou hast totally abandoned thyself to the service of sin. Satan is become thy absolute master, and thou his undivided slave.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:20
20. Hast thou found me, O mine enemy] Ahab had not thought of a penalty to overtake him, but the sight of Elijah makes him feel not penitent, but indignant that the avenger of wrong is so soon at hand. Therefore he calls Elijah his enemy. because thou hast sold thyself] Here the LXX. adds ìÜôçí=in vain. This appears to be an attempt at interpretation, indicating that Ahab had thought to take the price for his bargain, and to escape all consequences, and that in this he was to be disappointed. The complete surrender of the king into the hands of others is well expressed by ‘thou hast sold thyself’. to work evil] R.V. to do that which is evil. As in all other places where this expression occurs. in the sight of the Lord] Here the LXX. adds ‘to provoke him to anger’.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:20
The words “O mine enemy,” may refer partly to the old antagonism (marginal reference; 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:2-3); but the feeling which it expresses is rather that of present oppositions - the
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:20
20. Hast thou found me — Probably Ahab was trembling with alarm and terror as he uttered these words. He could not but have a profound fear of Elijah.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:20
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And Ahab Said to Elijah, Hast Thou Found Me, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the confrontation between Ahab and Elijah, emphasizing how Ahab's wrongful actions led to a haunting conscience that overshadowed his material gains. He illustr |
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Exposing the Occult by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and observations of occult involvement and spiritual invasion. He recounts witnessing a young man in church who appeared to |
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If I Perish I Perish-02 Ministry From Esther by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the cross and how it can impact a troubled soul. The sermon references the story of Abraham and how God intervened at the |
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Personal Testimony by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted |
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More Than Conquerors - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans chapter 8, specifically verse 37, which states that believers are more than conquerors through Christ's love. The preacher explains t |
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Overcoming Sin by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen explores Romans 7:14-25, emphasizing the struggle between conscious and unconscious sin in the believer's life. He highlights Paul's experience of wanting to do good but |
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Romans 7 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the journey from spiritual infancy to maturity, highlighting the struggle with carnality, temper, criticism, unkindness, and self-centeredness. It contrasts |