1 Kings 13:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeroboam begs the prophet to pray for him; the man of God intercedes, and the king's hand is healed.
What Does 1 Kings 13:6 Mean?
Suddenly humbled, the king pleads for prayer, calling Him 'the LORD thy God' rather than his own. The man of God does not gloat or bargain; he simply intercedes, and the withered hand is made whole again.
Here is the mercy of God shining even through judgment. The same word that struck the king now heals him at the prophet's prayer. Yet notice the king's phrase, 'the LORD thy God' -- he wants the prophet's God to act for him without becoming the king's own God. Mercy received is not the same as a heart changed.
1 Kings 13:6 in the Original Language
intreat (חָלָה, chalah) -- to soften or entreat a face, literally to make a face favorable; here, to seek God's gracious favor.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 13:6
What does 1 Kings 13:6 mean?
Jeroboam begs the prophet to pray for him; the man of God intercedes, and the king's hand is healed.