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1 Kings 20:35 Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, "Strike me, please!" But the man refused to strike him.
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And the man refused to smite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor by the word of the LORD, “Strike me, please.” And the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now a man from the sons of the prophets said to another by the word of the LORD, “Please strike me.” But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to another by the word of the LORD, “Please strike me.” But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to another by the word of the LORD, “Please strike me.” But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to another by the word of Yahweh, “Please strike me.” But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to another by the word of the LORD, “Please strike me.” But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />One of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow prophet by the word of the LORD, “Strike me! ” But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />One of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow prophet by the word of the LORD, “Strike me!” But the man refused to strike him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his fellow by the word of Jehovah, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />About this time the LORD commanded a prophet to say to a friend, "Hit me!" But the friend refused, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his fellow by the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A disciple of the prophets spoke to a friend as the word of the LORD had told him. [The disciple said,] "Punch me," but the man refused to punch him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />At the LORD's command a member of a group of prophets ordered a fellow prophet to hit him. But he refused, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Right about then, one of the members of the guild of prophets told another through a message from the LORD: "Please strike me!" But the man refused to do so, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, ?Strike me, please!? But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />One of the members of the prophetic guild, speaking with divine authority, ordered his companion, "Wound me!" But the man refused to wound him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow by the word of the LORD, "Please strike me." The man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow by Yahweh’s word, “Please strike me!” The man refused to strike him. <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 a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor by the word of YHWH, “Please strike me”; and the man refuses to strike him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour by the word of Jehovah, 'Smite me, I pray thee;' and the man refuseth to smite him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And a man, one of the sons of the prophets, said to his neighbor in the word of Jehovah, Strike me now. And the man refused to strike him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his companion in the word of the Lord: Strike me. But he would not strike. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then a certain man from the sons of the prophets said to his associate, by the word of the Lord, “Strike me.” But he was not willing to strike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Acting on the word of the LORD, one of the guild prophets said to his companion, “Strike me.” But he refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />At the command of the LORD a certain member of a company of prophets said to another, “Strike me!” But the man refused to strike him.<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 a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor according to the word of the LORD, Strike me. But the man refused to strike him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And one man of the sons of the Prophets said to his friend by the word of LORD JEHOVAH: “Hit me!” And the man was not willing to hit him.<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 a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his fellow by the word of the LORD: 'Smite me, I pray thee.' And the man refused to smite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbour by the word of the Lord, Smite me, I pray, And the man would not smite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-35.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=8229" 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">A Prophet Reproves Ahab</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">35</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: biḏ·ḇar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">Meanwhile, by the word</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: mib·bə·nê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nə·ḇî·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">of the prophets</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">his companion,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: hak·kê·nî (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">“Strike me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">please!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3985.htm" title="3985: way·mā·’ên (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To refuse. A primitive root; to refuse.">But the man refused</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: lə·hak·kō·ṯōw (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">to strike him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">36</span>Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him.…<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="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-7</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-11.htm">1 Kings 13:11-24</a></span><br />Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king. / “Which way did he go?” their father asked. And his sons showed him the way taken by the man of God, who had come from Judah. / So the prophet said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” Then they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">2 Kings 2:3</a></span><br />Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">2 Kings 6:1-7</a></span><br />Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us. / Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” said Elisha. / Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/20-1.htm">2 Kings 20:1-11</a></span><br />In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, / “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-18.htm">2 Chronicles 18:18-22</a></span><br />Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left. / And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that. / Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm">Isaiah 8:16-20</a></span><br />Bind up the testimony and seal the law among my disciples. / I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him. / Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/28-12.htm">Jeremiah 28:12-17</a></span><br />But shortly after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke off his neck, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: / “Go and tell Hananiah that this is what the LORD says: ‘You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.’ / For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17-21</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14-17</a></span><br />“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. / But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ / Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28-32</a></span><br />But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ / ‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. / Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">Matthew 23:34</a></span><br />Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-39.htm">Luke 7:39-40</a></span><br />When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!” / But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher,” he said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Luke 11:49</a></span><br />Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a></span><br />Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray you. And the man refused to smite him.</p><p class="hdg">Smite me</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35</a></b></br> And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12</a></b></br> He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.</p><p class="hdg">so that [heb} smiting and wounding </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-14.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-29.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-9.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-15.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">Weapon</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Word</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Wound</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/17-37.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-33.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-22.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-23.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-37.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-41.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-15.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-16.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-37.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-37.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-8.htm">Weapon</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-4.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-37.htm">Wound</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD</b><br>This phrase indicates divine inspiration and authority. The prophets in Israel often acted under direct instruction from God, serving as His mouthpieces. The phrase "by the word of the LORD" underscores the seriousness and divine origin of the message or action. This is a common expression in the Old Testament, emphasizing that the prophets' actions and words were not of their own invention but were commanded by God (e.g., <a href="/1_samuel/15-10.htm">1 Samuel 15:10</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/1-4.htm">Jeremiah 1:4</a>).<p><b>one of the sons of the prophets</b><br>The "sons of the prophets" refers to a group or guild of prophets who were often under the leadership of a more prominent prophet, such as Elijah or Elisha. These groups were common in Israel and served as training grounds for future prophets. They were communities dedicated to studying and proclaiming God's word, similar to a seminary or religious school. This context highlights the communal and educational aspect of prophetic ministry in ancient Israel.<p><b>said to his companion</b><br>The term "companion" suggests a fellow member of the prophetic community. This interaction indicates a close relationship and mutual respect among the prophets. The request made by the prophet is unusual, suggesting a test of obedience or a symbolic act, which was not uncommon in prophetic ministry (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Isaiah 20:2-3</a>, <a href="/ezekiel/4.htm">Ezekiel 4:1-3</a>).<p><b>“Strike me, please!”</b><br>The request to be struck is a prophetic action, often used to convey a message or symbolize a future event. Prophets frequently used dramatic actions to illustrate their messages (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/13.htm">Jeremiah 13:1-11</a>, <a href="/hosea/1-2.htm">Hosea 1:2-9</a>). The request for a blow may symbolize impending judgment or the seriousness of the message to be delivered. It also tests the obedience of the companion to the prophetic word.<p><b>But the man refused to strike him.</b><br>The refusal to comply with the prophet's request indicates a lack of understanding or unwillingness to participate in the prophetic act. This disobedience contrasts with the expected response to a divine command, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's word. The refusal can be seen as a failure to recognize the authority of the prophetic message, which often had serious consequences (e.g., <a href="/1_kings/13-21.htm">1 Kings 13:21-24</a>). This incident underscores the theme of obedience and the cost of disregarding God's instructions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_the_prophets.htm">Sons of the Prophets</a></b><br>A group of prophets or prophetic disciples in Israel, often seen as a community dedicated to serving God and receiving His revelations.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prophet.htm">The Prophet</a></b><br>An unnamed prophet who receives a word from the LORD and acts upon it, demonstrating obedience to God's command.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_companion.htm">The Companion</a></b><br>The man who is asked to strike the prophet but refuses, leading to consequences for his disobedience.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_word_of_the_lord.htm">The Word of the LORD</a></b><br>The divine command given to the prophet, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The northern kingdom where these events take place, during a time of conflict and divine intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_word.htm">Obedience to God's Word</a></b><br>The passage underscores the necessity of obeying God's commands, even when they seem unusual or difficult. Disobedience can lead to severe consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Prophets serve as God's messengers, and their words carry divine authority. Respecting and heeding their messages is crucial for spiritual well-being.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>The sons of the prophets represent a community of faith where accountability and mutual support are vital. We should seek to build and be part of such communities today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>The refusal to obey God's command through the prophet serves as a warning about the cost of disobedience. It reminds us to trust God's wisdom and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>The prophet's request and the subsequent events challenge us to put our faith into action, trusting that God's plans are higher than our understanding.<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/how_did_ahab's_evil_show_his_weakness.htm">How did King Ahab's wickedness reveal his weakness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_school_of_the_prophets.htm">What is the School of the Prophets?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_belshazzar_nebuchadnezzar's_'son'.htm">In Daniel 5:2, how do we reconcile calling Belshazzar the “son” of Nebuchadnezzar with known Babylonian lineage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_kings_20_7__how_did_figs_cure_a_fatal_illness.htm">2 Kings 20:7: Why was a simple poultice of figs sufficient to cure a fatal illness if it was truly life-threatening?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(35) <span class= "bld">A certain man</span>--according to Josephus, Micaiah, the son of Imlah. This tradition, or conjecture, agrees well with the subsequent narrative in 1 Kings 22.<p><span class= "bld">The sons of the prophets.</span>--This phrase, constantly recurring in the history of Elijah and Elisha, first appears here. But the thing designated is apparently as old as the days of Samuel who is evidently surrounded by "a company" of disciples. (See <a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm" title="After that you shall come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when you are come thither to the city, that you shall meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:">1Samuel 10:5</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm" title="And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him, and he prophesied among them.">1Samuel 10:10</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/19-20.htm" title="And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was on the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.">1Samuel 19:20</a>.) The prophetic office seems never to have been, like the priesthood or kingship, hereditary. "Sonship," therefore, no doubt means simply discipleship; and it is likely enough that the schools of the sons of the prophets were places of higher religious education, including many who did not look for the prophetic vocation; although the well-known words of Amos (<a href="/amos/7-14.htm" title="Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:">Amos 7:14</a>), "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son," clearly indicate that from their ranks, generally though not invariably, the prophets were called. Probably the institution had fallen into disuse, and had been revived to seal and to secure the prophetic victory over Baal-worship. To Elijah the "sons of the prophets" look up with awe and some terror; to Elisha, with affectionate respect and trust.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 35.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And a certain man</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">one man</span>; cf. <a href="/1_kings/13-11.htm">1 Kings 13:11</a>, note] <span class="cmt_word">of</span> <span class="cmt_word">the sons</span> of <span class="cmt_word">the prophets</span> [Here mentioned for the first time, though the prophetic schools probably owed their existence, certainly their development, to Samuel. The <span class="hebrew">בּנֵי הָנּ</span> are of course not the children, but the pupils of the prophets. For this use of "son," cf. <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a> ("a son of death"); <a href="/2_samuel/12-5.htm">2 Samuel 12:5</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/25-2.htm">Deuteronomy 25:2</a>; <a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Matthew 23:15</a>; <a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30</a>; <a href="/ezra/2-1.htm">Ezra 2:1</a>; <a href="/john/17-12.htm">John 17:12</a>, and <a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14</a>. Gesenius refers to the Greek <span class="greek">ἱατρῶν υἱοί ῤητόρων υἱοί</span>, etc., and says that among the Persians "the disciples of the Magi are called, "Sons of Magi." The word, again, does not necessarily imply youth. That they were sometimes married men appears from <a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">2 Kings 6:1</a>, though this was probably after their collegiate life was ended. As they were called "sons," so their instructor, or head, was called "father" (<a href="/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12</a>)] <span class="cmt_word">said unto his neighbour</span> [or <span class="accented">companion</span>. Another <span class="accented">prophet is</span> implied. It was because this "neighbour" was a prophet that his disregard of the word of the Lord was so sinful, and received such severe punishment], <span class="cmt_word">in the word of the Lord</span> [see on 1 Kings 13:1], <span class="cmt_word">Smite me, I pray thee.</span> [Why the prophet, in order to the accomplishment of his mission - which was to obtain from Ahab's own lips a confession of his deserts - why he should have been smitten, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, bruised and wounded, is not quite clear. For it is obvious that he might have sustained his part, told his story, and obtained a judgment from the king, without proceeding to such painful extremities. It is quite true that a person thus wounded would perhaps sustain the part of one who had been in battle <span class="accented">better</span>, but the wounds were in no way necessary to his disguise, and men do not court pain without imperious reasons. Besides, it was "in the word of the Lord" that these wounds were sought and received. It is quite clear, therefore, that it cannot have been merely to give him a claim to an audience with the king (Ewald) - he could easily have simulated wounds by means of bandages, which would at the same time have helped to disguise him - or that he might foreshadow in his own person the wounding which Ahab would receive (<a href="/1_kings/22-11.htm">1 Kings 22:11</a>), for of that he says nothing, or for any similar reason. The wounding, we may be quite sure, and the tragical circumstances connected therewith, are essential parts of the parable this prophet had to act, of the lesson he had to teach. 1%w the great lesson he had to convey, not to the king alone, but to the prophetic order and to the whole country, the lesson most necessary in that lawless age, was that of implicit unquestioning obedience to the Divine law. Ahab had just transgressed that law. He had "let go a man whom God had appointed to utter destruction;" he had heaped honours on the oppressor of his country, and in gratifying benevolent impulses had ignored the will and counsel of God (see on ver. 42). No doubt it seemed to him, as it has seemed to others since, that he had acted with rare magnanimity, and that his generosity in that age, an age which showed no mercy to the fallen, was unexampled. But he must be taught that he has no right to be generous at the expense of others; that God's will must be done even when it goes against the grain, when it contradicts impulses of kindness, and demands painful sacrifices. He is taught this by the prophetic word (ver. 42), but much more effectively by the actions which preceded it. A prophet required to smite a brother prophet, and that for no apparent reason, would no doubt find it repugnant to his feelings to do so; it would seem to him hard and cruel and shameful to smite a companion. But the prophet who refused to do this, who followed his benevolent impulses in preference to the word of the Lord, died for his sin - died forthwith by the visitation of God. What a lesson was this to king and country - for no doubt the incident would be bruited abroad, and the very strangeness of the whole proceeding would heighten the impression it made. Indeed, it is hardly possible to conceive a way in which the duty of unquestioning obedience could be more emphatically taught. When this prophet appeared before the king, a man had smitten and wounded him, disagreeable and painful as the task must have been, because of the word of the Lord; whilst a brother prophet, who declined the office because it was painful, had been slain by a wild beast. It is easy to see that there was here a solemn lesson for the king, and that the wounding gave it its edge.] <span class="cmt_word">And the man refused to smite him.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-35.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">Meanwhile, by the word</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּדְבַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(biḏ·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֜ד</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the prophets</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּבִיאִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·ḇî·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֧ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his companion,</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֵ֛הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Strike me,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֵּ֣ינִי</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">please!”</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">But [the man] refused</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְמָאֵ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(way·mā·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> </span><span class="str2">To refuse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to strike him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַכֹּתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hak·kō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-35.htm">1 Kings 20:35 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:35 A certain man of the sons (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:36" /></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>