1 Kings 20:35 Meaning and Explanation
“And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A member of the prophetic company commands his neighbor, by the LORD's word, to strike him, but the man refuses.
What Does 1 Kings 20:35 Mean?
The scene shifts to a prophetic sign-act. A member of 'the sons of the prophets' -- a guild of prophets -- commands his neighbor, explicitly 'in the word of the LORD,' to strike him. The man, perhaps reluctant to harm a prophet, refuses to obey.
The strange command sets up a living parable that will confront Ahab. But first it tests obedience: a clear word of the LORD is given, however unusual, and the response is refusal. The chapter is building toward its central theme -- that to disregard God's word, even when it seems harsh or odd, is a grave matter. Obedience is not ours to edit.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 20:35
What does 1 Kings 20:35 mean?
A member of the prophetic company commands his neighbor, by the LORD's word, to strike him, but the man refuses.