1 Kings Chapter 13 · Verse 12
And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
said
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 18
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
And their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
And their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
3 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
unto them What way
H1870
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
unto them What way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הָלַךְ֙
went
H1980
הָלַךְ֙
went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיִּרְא֣וּ
had seen
H7200
וַיִּרְא֣וּ
had seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בָנָ֗יו
he For his sons
H1121
בָנָ֗יו
he For his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
unto them What way
H1870
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
unto them What way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
11 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָלַךְ֙
went
H1980
הָלַךְ֙
went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
13 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of the man of god from judah, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.