1 Kings 22:5
1 Kings 22:5 in Multiple Translations
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire first, I pray thee, for the word of Jehovah.
Then Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Let us now get directions from the Lord.
Then Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “But first though, please find out what the Lord says.”
Then Iehoshaphat saide vnto the King of Israel, Aske counsaile, I pray thee, of the Lord to day.
And Jehoshaphat saith unto the king of Israel, 'Seek, I pray thee, to-day, the word of Jehovah;'
Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the LORD’s word.”
And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to-day.
And Josaphat said to the king of Israel: As I am, so art thou: my people and thy people are one: and my horsemen, thy horsemen. And Josaphat said to the king of Israel: Inquire, I beseech thee, this day, the word of the Lord.
Then he added, “But we should ask Yahweh first, to find out what he wants us to do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 22:5
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 22:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
אֶל
מֶ֣לֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
דְּרָשׁ
נָ֥א
כַ/יּ֖וֹם
אֶת
דְּבַ֥ר
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
Jehoshaphat
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
דְּרָשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
כַ/יּ֖וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דְּבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
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 22:5
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
"Jehoshaphat"
N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
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.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
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.
דְּרָשׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
כַ/יּ֖וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דְּבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
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 22:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 22:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 22:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 22:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 22:5
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 22:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:5
- Sermons on 1 Kings 22:5
Context — Ahab and the False Prophets
3who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?”
4So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”
5But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”
6So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” 7But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:5–6 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 18:4–5 | But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 42:2–6 | Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers; I will not withhold a word from you.” Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us, for we will obey the voice of the LORD our God!” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 21:2 | “Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 3:11 | But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah. ” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 20:1–3 | In the seventh year, on the tenth day of the fifth month, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down before me. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 7 | Numbers 27:21 | He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” |
| 8 | Judges 20:18 | The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. |
| 9 | Judges 20:29 | So Israel set up an ambush around Gibeah. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 14:18 | Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) |
1 Kings 22:5 Summary
This verse shows us that Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, wanted to make sure they were doing what God wanted before going to war with the king of Israel. He asked the king to seek God's guidance first, which is an important reminder for us to seek God's will in our own lives, as stated in Jeremiah 29:13, which says that when we seek God with all our heart, we will find Him. By seeking God's guidance, we can trust that He will lead us on the right path, as seen in Psalm 23:3, which says that He guides us along the right paths for His name's sake. This verse encourages us to prioritize seeking God's will and to trust in His sovereignty, just like Jehoshaphat did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jehoshaphat ask the king of Israel to inquire first for the word of the Lord?
Jehoshaphat asked the king to inquire first for the word of the Lord because he recognized the importance of seeking God's guidance before making decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
What does this verse reveal about Jehoshaphat's character?
This verse reveals that Jehoshaphat was a man who prioritized seeking God's will, demonstrating his faith and humility, similar to what is written in Psalm 119:105, which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
How does this verse relate to our own decision-making processes?
This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance before making decisions, just like Jehoshaphat, and to trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:33-34, which praises the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge.
What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's interaction with the king of Israel?
We can learn the importance of standing firm in our convictions and seeking God's will, even when surrounded by opposing views, as seen in 1 Kings 22:5, and also the value of having a supportive community, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:24-25, which encourages us to consider how to stir up love and good works in one another.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, just like Jehoshaphat?
- How can I prioritize seeking God's will in my decision-making processes, and what role does prayer play in this?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertain or difficult circumstances, and how does 1 Kings 22:5 relate to this?
- How can I, like Jehoshaphat, stand firm in my convictions and seek God's will, even when surrounded by opposing views, and what does this mean for my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 22:5
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 22:5
And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:5
By some prophet; that we may know the mind of God in it, and what success we may expect. This was the practice of the godly. See 20:28 .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:5
1 Kings 22:5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.Ver. 5. Inquire, I pray thee.] Ahab never thought of this, belike. God was not in all his thoughts. And yet Scipio went first to the capitol, and then to the senate. And the Romans called a sacrifice hostia ; because, when they went against the enemies, they offered it. At the word of the Lord.] Some think that Jehoshaphat, hearing of Ahab’ s late humiliation, mistook him for a true convert, and therefore thus bespake him, and thought he might lawfully join with him in so just a war. Today.] Josephus saith that this was done when the armies were now met, and were ready to march. Liv., lib. xxvi. Gel., lib. vii., chap. 1.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 22:5
5. Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord] The persuasion has gained from him a promise, but Jehoshaphat would still find out whether the proposed expedition has the sanction of Jehovah. It is clear from his request that he expected to find a true prophet of Jehovah at hand in Israel. The national apostasy cannot therefore have been complete, even in the dark days of Ahab. to day] The Hebrew word is the same which is found in Genesis 25:31; Genesis 25:33, where on the margin of R.V. the alternative rendering, ‘first of all,’ is given. This sense is very appropriate both there and here, and will often explain what ‘to day’ in O. Test. diction signifies. Cf. above, 1 Kings 1:51.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 22:5
Jehoshaphat, with characteristic piety 1 Kings 22:43 takes advantage of his position as Ahab’s friend and ally, to suggest inquiry of the Lord (Yahweh) before the expedition is undertaken.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 22:5
5. Jehoshaphat said — The king of Judah shows a piety superior to that of Ahab.
Sermons on 1 Kings 22:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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**Long Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill | The video is the first of three phone messages by Revival God's Way, Revival Crane. Revival Crane is known for his powerful preaching and singing. In this message, he discusses the |
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God Uses Foolish Things by Jackie Pullinger | In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of scoring a three, two, and four in a specific process. They mention the idea of a snow-covered holiday and walking on snow. Th |
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God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl |
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |
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An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 1 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the journey of faith. They encourage listeners to seek solutions and growth in their spiritual |
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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of |