1 Kings 13:4
And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִי֩
H1961
וַיְהִי֩
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 30
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ
heard
H8085
כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 30
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבַ֣ר
the saying
H1697
דְּבַ֣ר
the saying
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 30
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אִישׁ
of the man
H376
אִישׁ
of the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 30
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 30
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
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
קָרָ֤א
which had cried
H7121
קָרָ֤א
which had cried
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 30
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שָׁלַ֣ח
that he put forth
H7971
שָׁלַ֣ח
that he put forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
14 of 30
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
17 of 30
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מֵעַ֥ל
H5921
מֵעַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תִּפְשֻׂ֑הוּ
Lay hold
H8610
תִּפְשֻׂ֑הוּ
Lay hold
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
21 of 30
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
וַתִּיבַ֤שׁ
against him dried up
H3001
וַתִּיבַ֤שׁ
against him dried up
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
22 of 30
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
23 of 30
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
24 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁלַ֣ח
that he put forth
H7971
שָׁלַ֣ח
that he put forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
25 of 30
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
עָלָ֔יו
H5921
עָלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
26 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
27 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָכֹ֖ל
so that he could
H3201
יָכֹ֖ל
so that he could
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
28 of 30
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.
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 sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).
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.