2 Chronicles 18:15
2 Chronicles 18:15 in Multiple Translations
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou speak unto me nothing but the truth in the name of Jehovah?
And the king said to him, Have I not, again and again, put you on your oath to say nothing to me but what is true in the name of the Lord?
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear to tell me only the truth in the name of the Lord?”
And the King sayd to him, Howe oft shall I charge thee, that thou tell mee nothing but the trueth in the Name of the Lord?
And the king saith unto him, 'How many times am I adjuring thee, that thou speak unto me only truth in the name of Jehovah?'
The king said to him, “How many times shall I adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the LORD’s name?”
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?
And the king said: I adjure thee again and again to say nothing but the truth to me, in the name of the Lord.
But King Ahab realized that Micaiah was lying, so he said to Micaiah, “I have told you many times that you must always tell only the truth when you say what Yahweh has revealed to you!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 18:15
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.
2 Chronicles 18:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֵלָי/ו֙
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
עַד
כַּ/מֶּ֥ה
פְעָמִ֖ים
אֲנִ֣י
מַשְׁבִּיעֶ֑/ךָ
אֲ֠שֶׁר
לֹֽא
תְדַבֵּ֥ר
אֵלַ֛/י
רַק
אֱמֶ֖ת
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
כַּ/מֶּ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
פְעָמִ֖ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
מַשְׁבִּיעֶ֑/ךָ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Hiphil | Suff
אֲ֠שֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אֵלַ֛/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
רַק
raq
H7535
except
DirObjM
אֱמֶ֖ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | 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 — 2 Chronicles 18:15
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.
אֵלָי/ו֙
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.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | 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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
כַּ/מֶּ֥ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
פְעָמִ֖ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
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.
מַשְׁבִּיעֶ֑/ךָ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Hiphil | Suff
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
אֲ֠שֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלַ֛/י
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.
רַק
raq
H7535
"except"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
אֱמֶ֖ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
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 — 2 Chronicles 18:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab
13But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.”
14When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for they will be delivered into your hand.”
15But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
16So 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.’” 17Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he never prophesies good for me, but only bad?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 26:63 | But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 14:24 | Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 22:16 | But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” |
| 4 | Mark 5:7 | And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!” |
| 5 | Acts 19:13 | Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I bind you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” |
2 Chronicles 18:15 Summary
In this verse, King Ahab is asking the prophet Micaiah to promise to tell him the truth, and only the truth, about whether he should go to war. This shows that King Ahab is aware that Micaiah has spoken negatively about him before, and he wants to make sure he gets an honest answer. This verse teaches us about the importance of honesty and integrity, and how we should always seek to speak the truth, even if it's difficult, as seen in Ephesians 4:25. By prioritizing truth and honesty, we can build trust and strong relationships with others, and we can also hear God's voice more clearly, as encouraged in John 10:27 and Psalms 32:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Ahab ask Micaiah to swear to tell the truth?
King Ahab asked Micaiah to swear to tell the truth because he was skeptical of Micaiah's initial response, which seemed too good to be true, and he wanted to ensure that Micaiah would speak honestly, as the prophet had previously spoken negatively about him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 18:17.
What is the significance of swearing in the name of the LORD?
Swearing in the name of the LORD, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 18:15, is a way of invoking God's authority and emphasizing the importance of truthfulness, similar to what is commanded in Leviticus 19:12 and Deuteronomy 10:20.
Is it right to question a prophet's words, as King Ahab did?
While it is understandable to seek clarification, King Ahab's motivation for questioning Micaiah seemed to be driven by a desire to hear a more favorable response, rather than a genuine desire to understand God's will, as seen in 2 Chronicles 18:14-17, which contrasts with the attitude of seeking wisdom and guidance in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of honesty and integrity?
This verse highlights the importance of honesty and integrity, as King Ahab asks Micaiah to swear to tell the truth, and Micaiah's response demonstrates his commitment to speaking the truth, even if it is unfavorable, which is in line with the teachings of Proverbs 12:17 and Ephesians 4:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking a 'yes' from God, but He is actually saying 'no', and how can I cultivate a willingness to hear and obey His truth, as seen in 2 Chronicles 18:16?
- How can I, like Micaiah, speak the truth in love, even if it is difficult or unpopular, and what does this look like in my relationships and interactions with others?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking truth and honesty in my own life, and how can I prioritize integrity in my words and actions, as encouraged in Psalms 15:1-2 and Proverbs 10:9?
- What are some potential consequences of seeking or speaking falsehood, and how can I guard against this in my own life, as warned in Proverbs 12:22 and Revelation 21:8?
- How does this verse encourage me to seek God's truth and wisdom in my decision-making, and what are some practical steps I can take to do so, as seen in James 1:5-6 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 18:15
[See comments on 2 Chronicles 18:2].
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:15
(15) And the king said.—1 Kings 22:16 literatim.I adjure thee.—Compare the words of the high priest to Christ (Matthew 26:63).
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 18:15
15. that thou say nothing but the truth to me] R.V. that thou speak unto me nothing but the truth. The tone of scorn in Micaiah’s voice was noticed by the king.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:15
3-34. The rest of this chapter is parallel with 1 Kings 22:4-39, where see notes.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 18:15
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(1 Peter - Part 28): After Conversion, the Remainder of Your Life Should Be Different by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher encourages believers not to be discouraged by their past sins, as God has the power to make all things new. He emphasizes that we have the opportunity |
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Freedom Cd - Track 9 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal journey of being lost in sin and feeling estranged from God. Despite feeling undeserving, they experienced the overwhelming love a |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 6 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the theme of God's justice and the importance of waiting on Him, emphasizing the significance of crying out to God in moments of desperation. It explores th |
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Life & Times of Jesus #01 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different aspects of Christ and His role in eternity. The first week focuses on the wonderful news about Christ and eternity. The second |
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Authority in the Scriptures - Part 2 by Colin Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on various passages from the Bible, highlighting the fulfillment of God's word through Jesus. The preacher emphasizes Jesus' obedience and sil |
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Is Jesus God's Son? by Ernest O'Neill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the existence of God and presents Einstein and Darwin's views as evidence for a supreme being behind the universe. The sermon then focuses on |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 75 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the importance of valuing fellowship with the Father above all else, learning to hate sin by treasuring this relationship. It explores the example of Jesus' |