Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Their father asked them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him which road the man of God from Judah had taken. New Living Translation The old prophet asked them, “Which way did he go?” So they showed their father which road the man of God had taken. English Standard Version And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. Berean Standard Bible “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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” For his sons had seen which way the man of God went who came from Judah. New American Standard Bible And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” Now his sons had seen the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. NASB 1995 Their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” Now his sons had seen the way which the man of God who came from Judah had gone. NASB 1977 And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” Now his sons had seen the way which the man of God who came from Judah had gone. Legacy Standard Bible And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons had seen the way which the man of God who came from Judah had gone. Amplified Bible Their father asked them, “Which way did he go?” For his sons had seen which way the man of God who came from Judah had gone. Christian Standard Bible Then their father asked them, “Which way did he go? ” His sons had seen the way taken by the man of God who had come from Judah. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” His sons had seen the way taken by the man of God who had come from Judah. American Standard Version And their father said unto them, What way went he? Now his sons had seen what way the man of God went, that came from Judah. Contemporary English Version "Show me which way he went," the old prophet said, and his sons pointed out the road. English Revised Version And their father said unto them, What way went he? Now his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah. GOD'S WORD® Translation he said to them, "Which road did he take?" (His sons had seen which road the man of God from Judah had taken.) Good News Translation "Which way did he go when he left?" the old prophet asked them. They showed him the road International Standard Version "Which way did he go?" their father asked him, since his sons had observed the way that the man of God had taken to return to Judah from Bethel. NET Bible Their father asked them, "Which road did he take?" His sons showed him the road the prophet from Judah had taken. New Heart English Bible Their father said to them, "Which way did he go?" Now his sons showed him the way the man of God went, who came from Judah. Webster's Bible Translation And their father said to them, What way went he? for his sons had seen what way the man of God went, who came from Judah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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. World English Bible Their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” Now his sons had seen which way the man of God went, who came from Judah. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd their father says to them, “Where [is] this—the way he has gone?” And his sons see the way that the man of God who came from Judah has gone. Young's Literal Translation And their father saith unto them, 'Where is this -- the way he hath gone?' and his sons see the way that the man of God hath gone who came from Judah. Smith's Literal Translation And their father will speak to them, What way went he? and his sons will see the way that the man of God went who came from Judah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd their father said to them: What way went he? His sons shewed him the way by which the man of God went, who came out of Juda. Catholic Public Domain Version And their father said to them, “By which way did he depart?” His sons showed him the way by which the man of God, who had come from Judah, had departed. New American Bible the father asked them, “Which way did he go?” So his sons pointed out to him the road taken by the man of God who had come from Judah. New Revised Standard Version Their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible- - - Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And their father said to them: “By what road did he go?” And his sons told him the road by which the Prophet of God went who came from Yehuda. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And their father said unto them: 'What way went he?' For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, that came from Judah. Brenton Septuagint Translation And their father spoke to them, saying, Which way went he? and his sons shew him the way by which the man of God who came out of Juda went up. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Old Prophet and the Man of God11Now 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. 12“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. 13So the prophet said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” Then they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it… Cross References 2 Kings 23:17 Then the king asked, “What is this monument I see?” And the men of the city replied, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and proclaimed these things that you have done to the altar of Bethel.” 1 Kings 20:36 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. 2 Kings 23:18 “Let him rest,” said Josiah. “Do not let anyone disturb his bones.” So they left his bones undisturbed, along with those of the prophet who had come from Samaria. 2 Kings 23:15-16 He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. Then he burned the high place, ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole. / And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the hillside, and he sent someone to take the bones out of the tombs, and he burned them on the altar to defile it, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who had foretold these things. Jeremiah 23:14 And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” 2 Kings 17:13 Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” 2 Kings 17:23 Finally, the LORD removed Israel from His presence, as He had declared through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their homeland into Assyria, where they are to this day. 2 Kings 17:21 When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. 2 Kings 17:20 So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence. 2 Kings 17:19 and even Judah did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but lived according to the customs Israel had introduced. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 2 Peter 2:1 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Peter 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. Treasury of Scripture And their father said to them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah. Jump to Previous Judah Road Showed WayJump to Next Judah Road Showed Way1 Kings 13 1. Jeroboam's hand withers6. and at the prayer of the prophet is restored 7. The prophet departs from Bethel 11. An old prophet brings him back 20. He is reproved by God 23. slain by a lion 26. buried by the old prophet 31. who confirms the prophecy 33. Jeroboam's obstinacy “Which way did he go?” their father asked. This phrase occurs in the context of the story of the man of God from Judah and the old prophet in Bethel. The father here is the old prophet, who is inquiring about the direction taken by the man of God. This question reflects the urgency and determination of the old prophet to find the man of God. In biblical narratives, questions often serve to advance the plot and reveal character intentions. The old prophet's inquiry suggests a desire to engage with the man of God, possibly to test or challenge his prophetic message. This reflects a broader biblical theme where prophets often face opposition or scrutiny, as seen in the lives of Elijah and Jeremiah. And his sons showed him the way taken by the man of God, who had come from Judah. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Old ProphetAn older prophet living in Bethel who seeks out the man of God from Judah. His actions and motivations are central to the unfolding events. 2. The Man of God from Judah A prophet sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel. His journey and actions are pivotal in this chapter. 3. Bethel A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam had set up a golden calf, leading to idolatry. 4. The Sons of the Old Prophet They witness the man of God’s actions and report back to their father, setting the stage for the old prophet's pursuit. 5. The Journey The path taken by the man of God from Judah, which becomes a point of interest for the old prophet. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe man of God’s account underscores the necessity of strict adherence to God’s instructions, even when faced with seemingly authoritative voices. Discernment in Spiritual Matters Believers must exercise discernment, especially when encountering conflicting messages from those claiming spiritual authority. The Consequences of Deception The account warns of the dangers of deception, both self-deception and being deceived by others, and the importance of seeking God’s truth. The Role of Witnesses The sons of the old prophet serve as witnesses to the man of God’s actions, reminding us of the impact our actions have on others and the importance of integrity. God’s Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy Despite human failings, God’s purposes and prophecies are ultimately fulfilled, as seen in the later reforms of King Josiah. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 13:12?2. How does 1 Kings 13:12 illustrate the importance of verifying information with God? 3. What lessons can we learn about obedience from the old prophet's actions? 4. How does this verse connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God? 5. What practical steps can we take to avoid deception in our spiritual journey? 6. How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as seen in 1 Kings 13? 7. What does 1 Kings 13:12 reveal about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands? 8. How does 1 Kings 13:12 illustrate the theme of divine intervention in human affairs? 9. What historical context is essential to understanding 1 Kings 13:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 13? 11. Who was King Abijah in the Bible? 12. What are the genealogies and reigns of Israel's leaders? 13. Which son of Zerubbabel is an ancestor of Jesus: Abiud (Matthew 1:13) or Rhesa (Luke 3:27)? Neither name matches Zerubbabel's sons listed in 1 Chronicles 3:19-20. 14. In 1 Kings 15:2, why does Abijam's mother appear as 'Maachah,' while 2 Chronicles 13:2 identifies her differently? What Does 1 Kings 13:12 Mean Which way did he go?The old prophet of Bethel urgently wants to trace the route of the unnamed “man of God.” His question is practical, but loaded with spiritual implications: direction matters. Scripture often uses physical movement to highlight moral or spiritual paths (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:13–14). By asking for the exact road, the prophet signals he intends a face-to-face meeting—one that will test the man of God’s obedience to the Lord’s earlier command not to eat or drink in Bethel (1 Kings 13:8-10). their father asked The speaker is not a random inquirer; he is “their father,” a seasoned prophet whose authority and curiosity drive the scene. Fathers in Israel were charged to instruct their households in God’s ways (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), yet here the father’s intention is mixed. He represents religious influence that can either guide or mislead (cf. Eli’s sons in 1 Samuel 2:12). His question shows how spiritual leadership can become compromised when divine revelation is treated casually. And his sons showed him the way The sons had watched the earlier encounter between Jeroboam and the man of God (1 Kings 13:11). They become eyewitnesses, passing information to their father. • Their quick response reveals familial loyalty, but it also demonstrates how easily bystanders can aid a misguided mission. • Their report underscores a biblical principle: testimony spreads quickly and can influence decisions for good or ill (Proverbs 18:8; Acts 17:11). • By cooperating, the sons inadvertently propel events that will expose the man of God’s vulnerability to deceptive counsel (vv. 18-19). taken by the man of God The phrase points back to the prophet’s earlier obedience. He had followed God’s specific travel route, refusing King Jeroboam’s hospitality (1 Kings 13:7-10). His path symbolized unwavering commitment to God’s word (Psalm 119:105). Yet it also sets the stage for a looming test: will he keep following God’s directive once a fellow prophet urges a detour? The verse reminds us that past obedience does not guarantee future faithfulness (Galatians 5:7). who had come from Judah The man of God is an outsider in the northern kingdom, sent from Judah to confront Bethel’s altar and Jeroboam’s idolatry (1 Kings 13:1-2; cf. 2 Kings 23:15-18, where his prophecy is later fulfilled). • His southern origin highlights Israel’s divided kingdom and the Lord’s ongoing concern for the north despite its rebellion. • It underscores God’s sovereignty: He can raise a messenger from anywhere to challenge sin (Amos 7:14-15). • The detail also intensifies the upcoming conflict—two prophets, both claiming divine authority, but only one truly aligned with God’s word (1 John 4:1). summary 1 Kings 13:12 captures a pivotal moment: an anxious prophet seeks the exact route of God’s messenger, relying on his sons’ eyewitness account. The verse emphasizes how quickly information—and influence—travels, how spiritual leadership can drift, and how even faithful servants remain vulnerable when they deviate from God’s explicit commands. It sets the stage for a sobering lesson: staying on God’s path requires continual discernment and uncompromising adherence to His revealed word. Verse 12. - And their father said unto them, What way went he? [The question shows that the old prophet throughly understood the import of those "words," and that his first thought was that the interdict must be removed at any cost.] For his sons had seen [Heb. and his sons saw, or showed. LXX. δεικνύουσιν. Similarly most of the versions. A very slight change in the vowel points ויּרַאְוּ for ויּרִאוַּ would give this sense] what way the man of God went which came from Judah.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Whichאֵֽי־ (’ê-) Interrogative Strong's 335: Where?, how? way הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ (had·de·reḵ) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action did he go?” הָלָ֑ךְ (hā·lāḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk their father אֲבִיהֶ֔ם (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father asked. וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue And his sons בָנָ֗יו (ḇā·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son had seen וַיִּרְא֣וּ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see the way הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ (had·de·reḵ) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action taken הָלַךְ֙ (hā·laḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk by the man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of God, הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had come בָּ֖א (bā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go from Judah. מִיהוּדָֽה׃ (mî·hū·ḏāh) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites Links 1 Kings 13:12 NIV1 Kings 13:12 NLT 1 Kings 13:12 ESV 1 Kings 13:12 NASB 1 Kings 13:12 KJV 1 Kings 13:12 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 13:12 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 13:12 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 13:12 French Bible 1 Kings 13:12 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 13:12 Their father said to them Which way (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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