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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, &#8220Tell him: &#8216One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The king of Israel sent back this answer: “A warrior putting on his sword for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell <i>him</i>, Let not him that girdeth on <i>his harness</i> boast himself as he that putteth it off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the king of Israel answered and said, “Tell <i>him,</i> ‘Let not the one who puts on <i>his armor</i> boast like the one who takes <i>it off.</i>’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king of Israel replied, “Tell <i>him,</i> ‘He who straps on <i>his weapons</i> had better not boast like one who takes <i>them</i> off.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king of Israel replied, &#8220Tell him, &#8216Let not him who girds on his armor boast like him who takes it off.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king of Israel answered and said, “Tell <i>him,</i> ‘Let not him who girds on <i>his armor</i> boast like him who takes <i>it</i> off.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king of Israel answered and said, “Speak <i>to him</i>, ‘Let not him who girds on <i>his armor</i> boast like him who takes <i>it</i> off.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘A man who puts on [his armor to go to battle] should not boast like the man who takes it off [after the battle has been won].’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, “Say this: ‘Don’t let the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, &#8220Say this: &#8216Don&#8217t let the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.&#8217&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his armor boast himself as he that putteth it off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ahab then answered, "Benhadad, don't brag before the fighting even begins. Wait and see if you live through it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered and said, tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his armour boast himself as he that putteth it off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, "The saying goes, 'Don't brag about a victory before you have even dressed for battle.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />King Ahab answered, "Tell King Benhadad that a real soldier does his bragging after a battle, not before it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But the king of Israel replied, "Tell him, 'The one who is starting to strap on his battle armor should never brag like the one who is taking it off.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel replied, ?Tell him: ?The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel replied, "Tell him the one who puts on his battle gear should not boast like one who is taking it off."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, "Tell him, 'Do not let him who puts on his armor brag like he who takes it off.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Don’t let him who puts on his armor brag like he who takes it off.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answers and says, “Speak: Do not let him who is girding on boast himself as him who is loosing [his armor].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king of Israel answereth and saith, 'Speak ye: let not him who is girding on boast himself as him who is loosing his armour.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel will answer and say, Speak ye. He binding shall not boast as he loosening.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answering, said: Tell him: Let not the girded boast himself as the ungirded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And responding, the king of Israel said, “Tell him that one who is girded should not boast the same as one who is ungirded.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel replied, “Tell him, ‘Let not one who puts on armor boast like one who takes it off.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king of Israel answered, “Tell him: One who puts on armor should not brag like one who takes it off.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered and said, Let him talk; nevertheless, the one who ties a knot is not more able than the one who can untie it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King of Israel answered and said: “They have said, ‘He who binds is not able as he who loosens.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered and said: 'Tell him: Let not him that girdeth on his armour boast himself as he that putteth it off.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel answered and said, Let it be sufficient; let not the humpbacked boast as he that is upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=7887" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.” <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">And the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bə·rū (V-Piel-Imp-mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">“Tell him:</a> <a href="/hebrew/2296.htm" title="2296: ḥō·ḡêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To gird, gird on, gird oneself. A primitive root; to gird on.">‘The one putting on his armor</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">should not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: yiṯ·hal·lêl (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To shine.">boast</a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: kim·p̄at·tê·aḥ (Prep-k:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">like one taking it off.’”</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a></span><br />Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a></span><br />For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a></span><br />But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Proverbs 25:14</a></span><br />Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/25-19.htm">2 Chronicles 25:19</a></span><br />You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and your heart has become proud and boastful. Now stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15</a></span><br />Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a></span><br />So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a></span><br />If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Proverbs 18:12</a></span><br />Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a></span><br />For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Isaiah 37:23</a></span><br />Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-10.htm">2 Kings 14:10</a></span><br />You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girds on his harness boast himself as he that puts it off.</p><p class="hdg">came [heb] approached </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-8.htm">2 Kings 6:8-12</a></b></br> Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place <i>shall be</i> my camp… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/7-1.htm">2 Kings 7:1</a></b></br> Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time <i>shall</i> a measure of fine flour <i>be sold</i> for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/13-23.htm">2 Kings 13:23</a></b></br> And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.</p><p class="hdg">and thou shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">1 Kings 20:28</a></b></br> And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD <i>is</i> God of the hills, but he <i>is</i> not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-37.htm">1 Kings 18:37</a></b></br> Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou <i>art</i> the LORD God, and <i>that</i> thou hast turned their heart back again.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-18.htm">Exodus 14:18</a></b></br> And the Egyptians shall know that I <i>am</i> the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/10-25.htm">Armor</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-25.htm">Armour</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-19.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-3.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">Girdeth</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">Girding</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Girds</a> <a href="/micah/1-13.htm">Harness</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">Loud</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-48.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-28.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-42.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-25.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-2.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">Armor</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">Armour</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-10.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Girdeth</a> <a href="/psalms/18-32.htm">Girding</a> <a href="/psalms/18-32.htm">Girds</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">Harness</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-28.htm">Loud</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-12.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-4.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-6.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-11.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-1.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-39.htm">making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And the king of Israel replied</b><br>This phrase refers to King Ahab, who was the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel during the time of the divided monarchy. Ahab is often remembered for his marriage to Jezebel and his subsequent promotion of Baal worship, which led to significant conflict with the prophet Elijah. In this context, Ahab is responding to a message from Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, who was threatening Israel. This interaction highlights the political tensions and frequent warfare between Israel and its neighboring nations during this period.<p><b>Tell him:</b><br>Ahab's response is directed to Ben-Hadad, who had sent messengers with demands and threats. The use of messengers was a common practice in ancient diplomacy and warfare, allowing kings to communicate without direct confrontation. This phrase sets the stage for Ahab's strategic and defiant reply, which is intended to convey a message of confidence and caution to his adversary.<p><b>‘The one putting on his armor</b><br>This imagery refers to a soldier preparing for battle. In ancient times, armor was a crucial part of a warrior's equipment, providing protection in combat. The act of putting on armor symbolizes readiness and the anticipation of conflict. This phrase suggests that Ben-Hadad, who is preparing for war, should be cautious in his confidence, as the outcome of battle is uncertain.<p><b>should not boast</b><br>Boasting in the Bible is often associated with pride and arrogance, which are condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. <a href="/proverbs/27.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a> warns against boasting about the future, as it is uncertain. This part of Ahab's message serves as a warning against overconfidence, reminding Ben-Hadad that victory is not guaranteed simply by preparing for battle.<p><b>like one taking it off.’”</b><br>The act of taking off armor signifies the end of a battle, typically after achieving victory. Ahab's message implies that true boasting is only appropriate after success has been achieved, not before. This reflects a broader biblical theme that emphasizes humility and reliance on God rather than self-assuredness. The phrase serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of war and the importance of humility, aligning with the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_ahab.htm">King Ahab</a></b><br>The king of Israel during this time, known for his complex character and often criticized for his idolatry and disobedience to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-Hadad</a></b><br>The king of Aram (Syria), who was a powerful adversary of Israel and sought to conquer it.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Ahab reigned.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/aram.htm">Aram (Syria)</a></b><br>A neighboring kingdom to Israel, often in conflict with Israel during this period.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a></b><br>The context of this verse is a confrontation between Israel and Aram, where Ben-Hadad threatens Israel with war.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_conflict.htm">Humility in Conflict</a></b><br>Ahab's response to Ben-Hadad teaches the importance of humility, especially in the face of conflict. We should not boast about victories before they are won.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The verse reminds us to trust in God's control over the outcomes of our battles, whether they are physical, spiritual, or emotional.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>Ahab's reply is a lesson in using wisdom and restraint in our words, particularly when provoked or threatened.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_prudence.htm">Preparation and Prudence</a></b><br>The imagery of putting on and taking off armor suggests the need for preparation and prudence in our spiritual and daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_presumption.htm">Avoiding Presumption</a></b><br>This passage warns against presumption and overconfidence, encouraging believers to remain grounded and realistic.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_non-biblical_proof_of_israel's_win.htm">Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_1_kings_20_and_other_texts_on_ahab_compare.htm">How do the details of King Ahab's military campaigns in 1 Kings 20 align or conflict with other biblical passages about his reign?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_king_baasha_in_the_bible.htm">Who was King Baasha in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_232_officers_defeat_a_large_army.htm">How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him Let not him that girdeth on his harness bout himself as he that putteth it off</span>. [This proverb consists <span class="accented">of four</span> words in the Hebrew. The commentators cite the Latin, <span class="accented">Ne</span> <span class="accented">triumphum canas ante victoriam</span>, but proverbs to the same effect are found in most languages. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶֽלֶךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֤עַן</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Tell him:</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבְּר֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘The one putting on [his armor]</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹגֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·ḡêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2296.htm">Strong's 2296: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gird, gird on, gird oneself</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">boast</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְהַלֵּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·hal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like one taking [it off].’”</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּמְפַתֵּֽחַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(kim·p̄at·tê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:11 The king of Israel answered Tell him (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>