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1 Kings 22:1

1 Kings 22:1 in Multiple Translations

Then three years passed without war between Aram and Israel.

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.

Now for three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.

For three years Aram and Israel were not at war.

And they continued three yeere without warre betweene Aram and Israel.

And they sit still three years, there is no war between Aram and Israel,

They continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.

And there passed three years without war between Syria and Israel.

For almost three years there was no war between Syria and Israel.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 22:1

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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 22:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּשְׁב֖וּ שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֑ים אֵ֚ין מִלְחָמָ֔ה בֵּ֥ין אֲרָ֖ם וּ/בֵ֥ין יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יֵּשְׁב֖וּ yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
שָׁנִ֑ים shâneh H8141 year N-fp
אֵ֚ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part
מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fs
בֵּ֥ין bêyn H996 between Prep
אֲרָ֖ם ʼĂrâm H758 Aram N-proper
וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 22:1

וַ/יֵּשְׁב֖וּ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
שָׁנִ֑ים shâneh H8141 "year" N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אֵ֚ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
בֵּ֥ין bêyn H996 "between" Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
אֲרָ֖ם ʼĂrâm H758 "Aram" 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.
וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 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.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 22:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 20:34 Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

1 Kings 22:1 Summary

This verse tells us that for three years, there was no war between the kingdoms of Aram and Israel. This means that they had a period of peace, but it was temporary and did not last. We can learn from this that true peace comes from God, and that we should not put our trust in human alliances or efforts for peace, as seen in Psalm 119:165 and Jeremiah 29:11. Instead, we should seek God's peace that surpasses all understanding, and trust in His love and care for us, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the three-year period of peace between Aram and Israel in 1 Kings 22:1?

This period of peace is likely a result of the covenant between the kings of Israel and Aram, as seen in 1 Kings 20:34, where they made a treaty with each other. This temporary peace is a reminder that human efforts for peace are fleeting, and true peace comes from God, as promised in Psalm 119:165.

Is this verse suggesting that Israel and Aram were at peace because of their own strength or diplomatic efforts?

The Bible does not explicitly state the reasons for the peace, but it is clear that God is the one who gives peace, as seen in Isaiah 26:3 and John 14:27. The peace between Israel and Aram may have been a result of God's providence, even if it was not directly attributed to Him.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of 1 Kings?

This verse serves as a transition to the events that will unfold in the rest of the chapter, particularly the alliance between Jehoshaphat and the king of Israel, as seen in 1 Kings 22:2-3. It highlights the complex web of relationships between the kingdoms of Israel, Judah, and Aram, and sets the stage for the prophetic confrontation that will occur later in the chapter.

What can we learn from the fact that the peace between Israel and Aram lasted only three years?

This teaches us that human alliances and treaties are temporary and fragile, and that true and lasting peace can only be found in God, as seen in Romans 5:1 and Colossians 1:20. We should not put our trust in human efforts for peace, but rather seek God's peace that surpasses all understanding, as promised in Philippians 4:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am seeking peace and security in things that are temporary and fleeting, rather than in God?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of 1 Kings 22:1 to my own relationships and alliances, and instead seek to build relationships that are grounded in God's love and peace?
  3. In what ways can I trust God to give me peace, even in the midst of uncertainty and turmoil, as promised in Isaiah 26:3 and John 14:27?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize seeking God's peace in my life, rather than relying on human efforts or alliances?
  5. How can I use this verse as a reminder to pray for peace and to seek God's guidance in my decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 22:1

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 22:1

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. They continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. The disastrous defeat of Ben-hadad had exhausted the resources of his country.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:1

1 KINGS CHAPTER 22 Ahab, intending war against the Syrians, is advised by Jehoshaphat first to ask counsel of God: Ahab’ s prophets advise him to it, especially Zedekiah, , Micaiah, a prophet of the Lord, dissuadeth him from it; and is put in prison by Ahab, . Ahab goeth to the battle; is slain; the dogs lick his blood; and Ahaziah succeedeth him, . Jehoshaphat’ s good reign over Judah: his acts and death: Jehoram succeedeth him, . Ahaziah’ s evil reign, . They continued; the Syrians and Israelites, designed in the following words. Three years; computed from the last war and league wherewith it was concluded; because both Ahab and Benhadad were so weakened and broken by the late wars, that they needed and desired peace to recruit themselves, and repair their former losses.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:1

1 Kings 22:1 And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.Ver. 1. And they continued three years.] No longer. Reconciliations are but fox-like friendships, and covenants with enemies hold not long: “ Flamma redardescit, quae modo nulla fuit. ” Witness the wars betwixt Charles V, emperor, and Francis I king of France, whom being his prisoner, he had dismissed, as Ahab did Benhadad, upon a covenant made at Madrid; but it lasted not many months, for the French king quickly combined with the Pope and State of Venice against the emperor, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:1

(1) Three years without war.—The period is clearly reckoned from the rash peace made by Ahab with Ben-hadad in 1 Kings 20:34. Evidently the king of Syria has recovered his independence, if not superiority; he has not restored Ramoth-gilead according to his promise; and his revived power is sufficient to cope with the united forces of Israel and Judah. The sagacity of the prophetic rebuke of 1 Kings 20:42 has been amply justified.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:1

CHAPTER XXII Jehoshaphat King of Judah, and Ahab King of Israel, unite against the Syrians, in order to recover Ramoth-gilead, 1-4. They inquire of false prophets, who promise them success. Micaiah, a true prophet, foretells the disasters of the war, 5-17. A lying spirit in the mouths of Ahab's prophets persuades Ahab to go up against Ramoth, 18-29. The confederate armies are routed, and the king of Israel slain, 30-36. Death and burial of Ahab, 37-40. Character of Jehoshaphat, 41-47. He makes a fleet in order to go to Ophir for gold, which is wrecked at Ezion-geber, 48. His death, 49. He is succeeded by his son Jehoram, 50. Ahaziah succeeds his father Ahab, and reigns wickedly, 51, 52. NOTES ON CHAP. XXII Verse 1. Three years without war] That is, from the time that Ahab made the covenant with Ben-hadad, mentioned 1Kg 20:34. And probably in that treaty it was stipulated that Ramoth-gilead should be restored to Israel; which not being done, Ahab formed a confederacy with Judah, and determined to take it by force.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 22:1

Ch. 1 Kings 22:1-12. Ahab resolves to recover Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat joins him. Ahab’s prophets promise him victory (2 Chronicles 18:1-11) 1. they continued three years without war] This probably means after the defeat of Benhadad described in chapter 20. It must have been during this interval of peace that Naboth was put to death.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 22:1

Three years - These must be counted from the close of the second campaign of Ben-hadad 1 Kings 20:34. They were not full years, as is evident from the next verse.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:1

SYRIAN WARS AND AHAB’S DEATH, 1 Kings 22:1-40. 1. Three years without war — Three years from the time of the covenant between Ahab and Ben-hadad. 1 Kings 20:34.

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