1 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 37
Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּמְצָא֙
Then he found
H4672
וַיִּמְצָא֙
Then he found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
הָאִ֖ישׁ
man
H376
הָאִ֖ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 10
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)
הַכֵּ֥ה
Smite
H5221
הַכֵּ֥ה
Smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
5 of 10
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
נָ֑א
H4994
נָ֑א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
6 of 10
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
הַכֵּ֥ה
Smite
H5221
הַכֵּ֥ה
Smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
7 of 10
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
הָאִ֖ישׁ
man
H376
הָאִ֖ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 10
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)
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. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
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
Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's wars with syria, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.
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.