1 Kings 20:43 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ahab returns home to Samaria, sullen and resentful at the word of judgment.
What Does 1 Kings 20:43 Mean?
The chapter closes on Ahab's mood. He goes home to Samaria 'heavy and displeased' -- sullen, resentful, weighed down by the sentence he has heard. He grieves the verdict but shows no sign of repenting of the disobedience that earned it.
Here is the tragedy of a heart that hears God's word and only sulks. Sorrow over consequences is not the same as turning back to God. The phrase 'heavy and displeased' will reappear for Ahab, marking a man perpetually grieved yet unchanged. The contrast hangs in the air: how different is the sorrow that softens and returns to the LORD from the sorrow that merely resents Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 20:43
What does 1 Kings 20:43 mean?
Ahab returns home to Samaria, sullen and resentful at the word of judgment.