Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please.” So the man struck him and wounded him. New Living Translation Then the prophet turned to another man and said, “Hit me!” So he struck the prophet and wounded him. English Standard Version Then he found another man and said, “Strike me, please.” And the man struck him—struck him and wounded him. Berean Standard Bible Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, Berean Literal Bible And he found another man and said, “Strike me, please.” And the man struck him, striking and wounding. King James Bible Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him. New King James Version And he found another man, and said, “Strike me, please.” So the man struck him, inflicting a wound. New American Standard Bible Then he found another man and said, “Please strike me.” And the man struck him, injuring him. NASB 1995 Then he found another man and said, “Please strike me.” And the man struck him, wounding him. NASB 1977 Then he found another man and said, “Please strike me.” And the man struck him, wounding him. Legacy Standard Bible Then he found another man and said, “Please strike me.” And the man struck him, wounding him. Amplified Bible Then the prophet found another man and said, “Please strike me.” So the man struck him hard, wounding him. Berean Annotated Bible Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please! So the man struck him and wounded him, Christian Standard Bible The prophet found another man and said to him, “Strike me! ” So the man struck him, inflicting a wound. Holman Christian Standard Bible The prophet found another man and said to him, “Strike me!” So the man struck him, inflicting a wound. American Standard Version Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, smiting and wounding him. Contemporary English Version The prophet found someone else and said, "Hit me!" So this man beat him up. English Revised Version Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, smiting and wounding him. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the disciple found another man. He said, "Punch me." The man punched him hard and wounded him. Good News Translation Then this same prophet went to another man and said, "Hit me!" This man did so; he hit him a hard blow and hurt him. International Standard Version Later, he found another man and told him, "Please strike me!" So the man struck him and wounded him. NET Bible He found another man and said, "Wound me!" So the man wounded him severely. New Heart English Bible Then he found another man, and said, "Please strike me." The man struck him, smiting and wounding him. Webster's Bible Translation Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, World English Bible Then he found another man, and said, “Please strike me.” The man struck him and wounded him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he finds another man and says, “Please strike me”; and the man strikes him, striking and wounding, Berean Literal Bible And he found another man and said, “Strike me, please.” And the man struck him, striking and wounding. Young's Literal Translation And he findeth another man, and saith, 'Smite me, I pray thee;' and the man smiteth him, smiting and wounding, Smith's Literal Translation And he will find another man, and he will say, Strike me now. And the man will strike him, striking and wounding. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen he found another man, and said to him: Strike me. And he struck him, and wounded him. Catholic Public Domain Version But upon finding another man, he said to him, “Strike me.” And he struck him, and wounded him. New American Bible Then the prophet met another man and said, “Strike me.” The man struck him a blow and wounded him. New Revised Standard Version Then he found another man and said, “Strike me!” So the man hit him, striking and wounding him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen he found another man and said to him, Strike me. And the man struck him, and wounded him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he found another man and said to him: “Hit me!”, and that man hit him and wounded him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then he found another man, and said: 'Smite me, I pray thee.' And the man smote him, smiting and wounding him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he finds another man, and says, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, and in smiting wounded him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Prophet Reproves Ahab…36Then 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. 37Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, 38and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.… Cross References Then the prophet found another man 1 Kings 19:19-21 So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. and said, “Strike me, please!” Lamentations 3:30 Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach. Isaiah 50:6 I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle. Micah 5:1 Now, O daughter of troops, mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel. So the man struck him 2 Chronicles 18:24 Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.” John 18:22 When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?” Acts 23:2-3 At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. / Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” and wounded him, Job 5:18 For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 2 Samuel 12:1-7 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. … 1 Kings 13:18-24 Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, / but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water. / While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back, … 2 Kings 2:23-24 From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” / Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. Isaiah 20:2-3 the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot. / Then the LORD said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, Treasury of Scripture Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray you. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him. Thy servant Judges 9:7-20 And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you… 2 Samuel 12:1-7 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor… 2 Samuel 14:5-7 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead… thy life 1 Kings 20:42 And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people. 2 Kings 10:24 And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. or else Exodus 21:30 If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Job 36:18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Psalm 49:7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: pay [heb] weigh Jump to Previous Findeth Found Please Prophet Smite Smiting Smote Strike Struck Violently Wound Wounded WoundingJump to Next Findeth Found Please Prophet Smite Smiting Smote Strike Struck Violently Wound Wounded Wounding1 Kings 20 1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria13. By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain 22. As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek 28. By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again 31. The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant 35. The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, 39. making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him Then the prophet found another man In the context of 1 Kings 20, the prophet is acting under divine instruction. Prophets often delivered messages through symbolic actions. This reflects the seriousness of the message and the need for obedience to God's commands. Prophets in Israel were known to perform unusual acts to convey God's word, similar to how Isaiah walked naked and barefoot (Isaiah 20:2-3) or how Ezekiel lay on his side for 390 days (Ezekiel 4:4-6). and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him Persons / Places / Events 1. The ProphetA man of God who is delivering a message through a symbolic act. His identity is not specified in this verse, but he plays a crucial role in conveying God's message to King Ahab. 2. Another Man An unnamed individual who obeys the prophet's unusual request to strike him. His compliance contrasts with the previous man's refusal, highlighting obedience to God's messengers. 3. King Ahab Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure in the surrounding account. The prophet's actions are part of a larger message intended for Ahab, the king of Israel. 4. Israel The northern kingdom over which Ahab reigns. The events in this chapter are set against the backdrop of Israel's conflicts with neighboring nations. 5. Symbolic Act The act of striking the prophet is symbolic, serving as a visual and physical representation of a prophetic message intended for King Ahab. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe account underscores the importance of obeying God's instructions, even when they seem unusual or difficult. Obedience is a key theme throughout Scripture and is essential for fulfilling God's purposes. The Role of Prophets Prophets often used symbolic acts to convey God's messages. Understanding these acts requires discernment and a willingness to see beyond the physical to the spiritual truths they represent. Consequences of Disobedience The contrast between the man who refused to strike the prophet and the one who obeyed highlights the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a reminder that God's commands are not to be taken lightly. Courage in Following God's Will The man who struck the prophet demonstrated courage and faith in following a difficult command. Believers are called to act with similar courage when God directs them. God's Sovereignty in Unusual Circumstances God's ways are often beyond human understanding, and He may use unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. Trusting in His sovereignty is crucial for believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 20:37?2. Why did the prophet use a disguise in 1 Kings 20:37? 3. How does 1 Kings 20:37 demonstrate obedience to God's instructions? 4. What can we learn about God's justice from 1 Kings 20:37? 5. How does 1 Kings 20:37 connect to other prophetic actions in Scripture? 6. How can we apply the lesson of obedience from 1 Kings 20:37 today? 7. Why does 1 Kings 20:37 involve a prophet asking to be struck by another man? 8. What is the significance of the prophet's actions in 1 Kings 20:37? 9. How does 1 Kings 20:37 reflect on obedience to God's commands? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20? 11. Who is Eliakim, son of Hilkiah? 12. What does 'God is a Healer' mean? 13. What defines a man of God? 14. In 1 Kings 13:20-24, does punishing the man of God after he was tricked conflict with the notion of a just and fair God? What Does 1 Kings 20:37 Mean Setting the stage- In 1 Kings 20:35 – 38 the LORD sends “a certain prophet” to deliver a living parable to King Ahab, just after God has graciously given Ahab victory over Ben-hadad. - Verse 35 tells us the prophet’s first companion refused to strike him and was judged; that background shows how seriously God treats obedience (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22-23). - Now, in verse 37, the prophet tries again, determined to fulfill exactly what God told him to do. “Then the prophet found another man” - The wording is deliberate: the prophet “found” someone willing. He is actively seeking an instrument for God’s visual message, much like Nathan sought David in 2 Samuel 12:1-7 to confront sin. - It reminds us that when one person declines God’s call, the Lord raises up another (Esther 4:14; Romans 11:17-18). “and said, ‘Strike me, please!’” - The polite “please” shows the prophet is not coercing; he invites voluntary participation, echoing God’s own appeals for willing obedience (Isaiah 1:18-19). - The command to be struck seems odd, yet throughout Scripture God often uses startling acts to grab attention—Isaiah walked barefoot (Isaiah 20:2-4); Ezekiel lay on his side (Ezekiel 4:4-8); Hosea married Gomer (Hosea 1:2). - The prophet’s request anticipates the need to look convincingly wounded so Ahab will listen, underscoring that God plans every detail for maximum impact. “So the man struck him and wounded him” - Unlike the first man, this second companion obeys instantly, illustrating Proverbs 13:13, “He who respects a command will be rewarded.” - The wound is real, not staged; Scripture records it plainly. Physical pain becomes the prophet’s badge of authority—similar to Paul’s “marks of the Lord Jesus” in Galatians 6:17. - Obedience sometimes hurts, yet God uses that hurt for higher purpose (2 Corinthians 4:8-11). Prophetic significance - The injury enables the prophet to disguise himself before Ahab (v.38), creating a courtroom-style scenario where Ahab will condemn himself, like David with Nathan (2 Samuel 12:5-7). - The whole incident sets up God’s verdict on Ahab for sparing Ben-hadad (v.42). God’s messenger had to look like a wounded soldier so the king would not recognize him and would listen objectively. - The episode demonstrates that when God’s people dabble with mercy toward sin while ignoring God’s justice, judgment follows (1 Kings 22:34-38; Hebrews 10:26-31). Takeaways for believers - Delayed or partial obedience is disobedience; the first companion became a cautionary tale (v.36; Luke 6:46). - God can ask His servants to do difficult, even painful things for the sake of truth. Our readiness to comply measures our trust (John 21:18-19). - Faithful participation in God’s plan, however small, weaves into His grand narrative. The unnamed striker had one line in Scripture, yet his quick obedience advanced God’s judgment and instruction for a nation. summary 1 Kings 20:37 shows a prophet urgently pursuing obedience to God’s unusual command: he must be wounded so he can deliver a convicting parable to King Ahab. The verse highlights two contrasts—obedience versus refusal, and painful faithfulness versus comfortable disobedience. Through one man’s literal strike God readies a message that will expose Ahab’s sin and affirm that the LORD’s word is sovereign, precise, and ultimately victorious. Verse 37. - Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him [Heb. smiting and wounding. This last particular is apparently recorded to show how promptly and thoroughly this "other man," who is not said to have been a prophet, obeyed the charge. Probably he had the fate of the other before his eyes.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the prophet foundוַיִּמְצָא֙ (way·yim·ṣā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present another אַחֵ֔ר (’a·ḥêr) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person and said, וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Strike me, הַכֵּ֣ינִי (hak·kê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 5221: To strike please!” נָ֑א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' So the man הָאִ֖ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person struck him וַיַּכֵּ֥הוּ (way·yak·kê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike and wounded him, הַכֵּ֥ה (hak·kêh) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 5221: To strike Links 1 Kings 20:37 NIV1 Kings 20:37 NLT 1 Kings 20:37 ESV 1 Kings 20:37 NASB 1 Kings 20:37 KJV 1 Kings 20:37 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 20:37 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 20:37 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 20:37 French Bible 1 Kings 20:37 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 20:37 Then he found another man and said (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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