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1 Kings 22:36

1 Kings 22:36 in Multiple Translations

As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!”

And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.

And there went a cry throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his country.

And about sundown a cry went up from all parts of the army, saying, Let every man go back to his town and his country, for the king is dead.

At sunset, a shout went out from the lines: “Retreat! Every man back to his town, every man back to his own country!”

And there went a proclamation thorowout the hoste about the going downe of the sunne, saying, Euery man to his citie, and euery man to his owne countrey.

and he causeth the cry to pass over through the camp, at the going in of the sun, saying, 'Each unto his city, and each unto his land.'

A cry went throughout the army about the going down of the sun, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”

And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the setting of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.

And the herald proclaimed through all the army before the sun set, saying: Let every man return to his own city, and to his own country.

Just as the sun was going down, someone among the Israeli troops shouted, “The battle is ended! Everyone should return home!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 22:36

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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 22:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר הָ/רִנָּה֙ בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה כְּ/בֹ֥א הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ לֵ/אמֹ֑ר אִ֥ישׁ אֶל עִיר֖/וֹ וְ/אִ֥ישׁ אֶל אַרְצֽ/וֹ
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/רִנָּה֙ rinnâh H7440 cry Art | N-fs
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 camp Prep | N-cs
כְּ/בֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun Art | N-cs
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
עִיר֖/וֹ ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs | Suff
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אַרְצֽ/וֹ ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 22:36

וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
הָ/רִנָּה֙ rinnâh H7440 "cry" Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
כְּ/בֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
עִיר֖/וֹ ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
אַרְצֽ/וֹ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 22:36

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 14:12 And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his home.
2 1 Kings 22:31 Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”
3 Judges 21:24 And at that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and clan, each to his own inheritance.
4 2 Samuel 19:8 So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home.
5 1 Kings 22:17 So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”
6 1 Kings 12:24 that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this word is from Me.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD.
7 1 Samuel 4:10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great—thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell.
8 Judges 7:7–8 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.” So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred men, who took charge of the provisions and rams’ horns of the others. And the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.
9 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,

1 Kings 22:36 Summary

This verse describes a moment of chaos and defeat for the army of Israel, as they realize their king, Ahab, has been wounded and later dies. As the sun sets, the army cries out to return to their own cities and lands, indicating a loss of direction and purpose. This event can teach us about the importance of godly leadership and trusting in God's sovereignty, even in times of uncertainty (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 23:4). By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to seek God's guidance and leadership in our own lives, rather than relying solely on human leaders or our own strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was happening in the army when the cry rang out?

The army was likely in a state of chaos and disorder after their king, Ahab, was wounded and later died, as described in 1 Kings 22:34-35, which led to the cry for every man to return to his own city and land.

Why did the army want to return to their own cities and lands?

The army was probably demoralized and defeated, and with their leader fallen, they saw no reason to continue fighting, similar to the situation in Judges 7:21 where the Midianite army fled in panic.

Is this event a fulfillment of any prophecy?

Yes, the death of Ahab and the subsequent cry for the army to return home may be related to the prophecy spoken by the LORD through the prophets, as seen in 1 Kings 21:19 and 1 Kings 22:38, which foretold the demise of Ahab and the consequences of his actions.

What can we learn from the reaction of the army in this verse?

We can learn that when our leaders fail or fall, it can lead to confusion and a lack of direction, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership, as taught in Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 24:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I felt like giving up or fleeing, and how did I respond?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when my leaders or circumstances seem to be falling apart?
  3. In what ways can I be a source of strength and hope for others when they are feeling defeated or demoralized?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and leadership, rather than relying on my own strength or human leaders?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 22:36

And there went a proclamation throughout the host, about the going down of the sun,.... Much about the time that Ahab died; and this proclamation by an herald might be made by his order, as he was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 22:36

And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:36

There went a proclamation; probably by Jehoshaphat’ s order, with the consent of the chief captains of Israel; and possibly with the permission of the king of Syria, upon notice of Ahab’ s death, which was the only thing at which he aimed, . Every man to his own country: the king is dead, and the battle ended; and therefore every man hath liberty to return to his own house and private occasions.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:36

1 Kings 22:36 And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.Ver. 36. Saying, Every man to his city.] This was foretold by Micaiah. God will not suffer his faithfulness to fail, but will fulfil with his hand what he hath spoken with his mouth.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:36

Verse 36. Every man to his city] It appears that the Israelites and Jews maintained the fight the whole of the day; but when at evening the king died, and this was known, there was a proclamation made, probably with the consent of both Syrians and Israelites, that the war was over. Ahab being dead, his subjects did not choose to contend for Ramoth-gilead; so the Israelites went to their own cities, and the Syrians to their own country.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 22:36

36. And there went a proclamation] R.V. a cry. The word is often rendered ‘cry’ and applied both to sorrowful and joyous utterances. Cf. Psalms 17:1; Psalms 30:5. Nowhere else is it rendered ‘proclamation.’ It indicates that word was passed round from troop to troop that some disaster made retreat necessary. The LXX. paraphrases ‘And the herald of the host at the setting of the sun stood and said,’ &c. every man to his own country] The R.V. omits ‘own’, which has nothing to represent it in the original. The LXX. adds to the cry, ‘for the king is dead.’ But this is merely their version of the first words in 1 Kings 22:37. For they continue, ‘And they came to Samaria,’ &c.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 22:36

About the going down of the sun - i. e. as soon as Ahab was dead. The abandonment of the expedition and dispersion of the army on the death of the king is thoroughly Oriental.

Sermons on 1 Kings 22:36

SermonDescription
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
David Guzik (1 Samuel) the Raiding of the Ark by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God cannot be manipulated or controlled by human plans or programs. He uses the example of Israel's defeat by the Philistines to illustr
T. Austin-Sparks The Ark of Glory by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Ark of the Covenant as a representation of the glory of Jesus Christ, illustrating how the ark embodies life through the Word of
Chuck Smith Leviticus 26:3 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the certainty of God's promises as outlined in Leviticus 26:3, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's statutes and commandments. He explains that
Alan Redpath Occupy Till I Come by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible and how God used him despite his ordinary status. The speaker emphasizes that it is not our own strategies
John Piper (Education for Exultation) the Gideon Venture by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon is in a difficult situation, feeling weak and unsure of what to do. However, God arranges for Gide
Norman Grubb Gideon by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon and his men were facing a formidable enemy, but God instructed them to use unconventional methods t

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