1 Kings 22:21
1 Kings 22:21 in Multiple Translations
Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD.
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him.
Then a spirit came forward and took his place before the Lord and said, I will get him to do it by a trick.
Finally a spirit came and approached the Lord and said, ‘I will trick him.’
Then there came forth a spirit, and stoode before the Lord, and sayd, I wil entise him. And the Lord sayd vnto him, Wherewith?
'And the spirit goeth out, and standeth before Jehovah, and saith, I — I do entice him; and Jehovah saith unto him, By what?
A spirit came out and stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said: I will deceive him. And the Lord said to him: By what means?
Finally one evil spirit came to Yahweh and said, ‘I can do it!’
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 22:21
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 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
הָ/ר֗וּחַ
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֔ה
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אֲנִ֣י
אֲפַתֶּ֑/נּוּ
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
יְהוָ֛ה
אֵלָ֖י/ו
בַּ/מָּֽה
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/ר֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Art | N-cs
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אֲפַתֶּ֑/נּוּ
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בַּ/מָּֽה
mâʼ
H3964
what
Prep | Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 22:21
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/ר֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Art | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙
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.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
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.
אֲנִ֣י
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.
אֲפַתֶּ֑/נּוּ
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
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.
יְהוָ֛ה
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.
אֵלָ֖י/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.
בַּ/מָּֽה
mâʼ
H3964
"what"
Prep | Part
Ma means 'what' or 'whatever' and is used to ask questions or show uncertainty. It can also mean 'how' or 'why' when used with other words.
Definition: 1) what, whatever 1a) what? 1b) whatever, what, whatsoever 1c) how?, why?, wherefore? (with prefixes)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] what. See also: 1 Kings 22:21; Ezra 6:8.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 22:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 22:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 22:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 22:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 22:21
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 22:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
- Sermons on 1 Kings 22:21
Context — Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab
19Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.
20And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that.
21Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD.
22And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ 23So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 2:1 | On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 22:23 | So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” |
| 3 | Job 1:6–7 | One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” |
1 Kings 22:21 Summary
This verse shows us that God is in control of all things, even the actions of spirits. A spirit comes forward and offers to entice Ahab, and God gives it permission to do so, but only as part of His larger plan, as seen in Romans 8:28. This teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, and that even when bad things happen, He can use them for good (as in Genesis 50:20). We can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand what's happening around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a spirit to come forward and stand before the Lord?
This verse suggests that there are spiritual beings that can interact with God, and in this case, one of them volunteers to entice Ahab, as seen in 1 Kings 22:21, similar to how Satan presented himself before God in Job 1:6-7.
Why does the Lord ask the spirit 'By what means' will it entice Ahab?
The Lord's question indicates that He is giving the spirit permission to act, but also wants to know the method it will use, as seen in 1 Kings 22:21-22, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all spirits and actions.
Is this spirit a good or evil spirit?
While the verse does not explicitly state the nature of the spirit, its willingness to entice Ahab into doing something harmful suggests that it is not a benevolent spirit, and may even be a demonic spirit, as implied in 1 Kings 22:22-23.
What can we learn from this interaction between God and the spirit?
This verse shows us that God is aware of all spiritual activities and is sovereign over them, as seen in Psalm 103:19-20, and that He sometimes permits spirits to act in order to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be enticed away from God's will, and how can I protect myself from these temptations?
- How does this verse relate to the idea of spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- What does this verse teach us about the nature of God's sovereignty and the role of spirits in the world?
- In what ways can I be aware of the spiritual forces at work in my life, and how can I seek God's guidance and protection in the midst of them?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 22:21
And there came forth a spirit,.... Not from the heavenly host on the right hand or the left, for they are pure and holy spirits, and impeccable, and cannot lie or deceive; but the evil spirit, Satan,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 22:21
And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
An evil spirit came out of the knot or company of them, standing possibly on the left hand, and presented himself before the throne, as having something to say to the Lord.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
1 Kings 22:21 And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.Ver. 21. And there came forth a spirit.] An evil spirit, haply, from the left hand of God’ s throne. I will persuade him.]
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
(21) A spirit.—It should be the spirit. The definite article is explained by some, perhaps rather weakly, as simply anticipatory of the description which follows. Others take the phrase to signify “the spirit of prophecy,” a kind of emanation from the Godhead, looked upon as the medium of the prophetic inspiration, which is an expression conceivable, but certainly unprecedented. Perhaps without introducing into this passage the distinct idea of “the Satan,” i.e., the enemy, which we find in Job 1, 2; 1 Chronicles 21:1; Zechariah 3:1-2. it may be best to interpret it by the conception, common to all religions recognising the terrible existence of evil in the world, of a spiritual power of evil (called euphemistically, “the spirit”) overruled to work out the judgments of God. The absolute subordination of such spirits of evil in every notice of them in the Old Testament precludes all danger of the monstrous dualism of so many Eastern religions. The reference of the power of divination to such spirits is found in the New Testament also. (See Acts 16:16-18.)
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 22:21
21. And there came forth a spirit] The Hebrew has ‘the spirit’ as is noted on the margin of the R.V. It seems therefore to imply some definite power which imparted to prophets their gifts; the prophetic spirit. That God allowed this power to delude Ahab was because of the king’s persistence in evil. God therefore gives him over to it, and causes the prophets whom he has chosen for himself, to the rejection of Micaiah and such as he, to be the instruments of his destruction. Thus when Isaiah is sent to rebellious Israel (Isaiah 6:10) his mission is described as of this nature. God says to him ‘Make the heart of this people fat and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts.’ In this wise and with like effect comes the spirit from God into the mouths of Ahab’s four hundred.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 22:21
A spirit - “The spirit “ - which some explain as “the evil spirit” - i. e. Satan; others as simply “the spirit” who should “persuade.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:21
21. There came forth a spirit — Literally, the spirit; that is, the particular spirit that served as the agent of Divine judgment in this judicial blinding of Ahab’s heart.
Sermons on 1 Kings 22:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Revelation) the Sounding of the 5th Trumpet by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the fifth angel sounding the season in the book of Revelation. The sermon begins by discussing the outline of the paragraph, highlighting the |
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Perfect in Beauty by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the story of Job, highlighting how Satan seeks to strip away God's blessings and bring pain and suffering. It emphasizes the contrast between the fallen ang |
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Studies in Job-02 Job-2 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher, Ellie Fad, discusses the topic of suffering and its relationship to sin. He highlights that all three of Job's friends agree that suffering is a resul |
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Satan's Power to Devour by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for believers to prioritize hearing the voice of God over the distractions of the world, warning that many are more influenced by human |
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Questioning God's Love by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp explores the theme of questioning God's love through the trials faced by Job, who, after losing his possessions and family, is afflicted with a painful disease. Despit |
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Job by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. He highlights the various trials and tribulations that Job faced, including the loss of his possessions, the |
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Satan the Arch Rebel by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Job and how Satan tempted him to renounce God. The preacher highlights how Satan used Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, t |