Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king. I and all I have are yours.” New Living Translation “All right, my lord the king,” Israel’s king replied. “All that I have is yours!” English Standard Version And the king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” Berean Standard Bible And the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” King James Bible And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. New King James Version And the king of Israel answered and said, “My lord, O king, just as you say, I and all that I have are yours.” New American Standard Bible And the king of Israel replied, “As you say, my lord, O king; I am yours, as well as all that I have.” NASB 1995 The king of Israel replied, “It is according to your word, my lord, O king; I am yours, and all that I have.” NASB 1977 And the king of Israel answered and said, “It is according to your word, my lord, O king; I am yours, and all that I have.” Legacy Standard Bible Then the king of Israel answered and said, “It is according to your word, my lord, O king; I am yours, and all that I have.” Amplified Bible The king of Israel [conceded his defeat and] answered, “By your word, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” Christian Standard Bible Then the king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” American Standard Version And the king of Israel answered and said, It is according to thy saying, my lord, O king; I am thine, and all that I have. Contemporary English Version "Your Majesty," Ahab replied, "everything I have is yours, including me." English Revised Version And the king of Israel answered and said, It is according to thy saying, my lord, O king; I am thine, and all that I have. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king of Israel answered, "As you say, Your Majesty. I and everything I have are yours." Good News Translation "Tell my lord, King Benhadad, that I agree; he can have me and everything I own," Ahab answered. International Standard Version "Whatever you want, your majesty," the king of Israel answered. "I belong to you, as does everything I own." NET Bible The king of Israel replied, "It is just as you say, my master, O king. I and all I own belong to you." New Heart English Bible The king of Israel answered, "It is according to your saying, my lord, O king. I am yours, and all that I have." Webster's Bible Translation And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” World English Bible The king of Israel answered, “It is according to your saying, my lord, O king. I am yours, and all that I have.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king of Israel answers and says, “According to your word, my lord, O king: I [am] yours, and all that I have.” Young's Literal Translation And the king of Israel answereth and saith, 'According to thy word, my lord, O king: I am thine, and all that I have.' Smith's Literal Translation And the king of Israel will answer and say, According to thy word, my lord the king, to thee am I and all which is to me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king of Israel answered: According to thy word, my lord 0 king, I am thine, and all that I have. Catholic Public Domain Version And the king of Israel responded, “In agreement with your word, my lord the king, I am yours, with all that is mine.” New American Bible The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord king, I and all I have are yours.” New Revised Standard Version The king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king of Israel answered and said, According to your word, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King of Israel answered and he said: “According to your word, my Lord King, I am yours and all that is mine!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king of Israel answered and said: 'It is according to thy saying, my lord, O king: I am thine, and all that I have.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king of Israel answered and said, As thou hast said, my lord, O king, I am thine, and all mine also. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria…3saying, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and your best wives and children are mine!’ ” 4And the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” 5The messengers came back and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent to you to demand your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children.… Cross References 2 Kings 18:14 So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 2 Kings 18:31-32 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, / until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ 2 Samuel 16:4 So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!” 2 Samuel 24:12-14 “Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’” / So Gad went and said to David, “Do you choose to endure three years of famine in your land, three months of fleeing the pursuit of your enemies, or three days of plague upon your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.” / David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” 2 Kings 10:5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” 2 Kings 24:12 Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. 2 Chronicles 36:10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon, along with the articles of value from the house of the LORD. And he made Jehoiachin’s relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah 36:16-17 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern, / until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards. Jeremiah 38:17-18 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. / But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’” Jeremiah 52:31-34 On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the first year of the reign of Evil-merodach king of Babylon, he pardoned Jehoiachin king of Judah and released him from prison. / And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. / So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. ... Matthew 5:39-41 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Luke 6:29-30 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. / Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. Luke 12:4-5 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! Treasury of Scripture And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to your saying, I am yours, and all that I have. I am thine Leviticus 26:36 And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth. Deuteronomy 28:48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. Jeremiah 15:11-13 The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction… Jump to Previous Israel WordJump to Next Israel Word1 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 And the king of Israel replied This phrase introduces King Ahab, the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel during the divided monarchy period. Ahab's reign is marked by idolatry and conflict, particularly with the prophet Elijah. His response here is part of a larger narrative involving a confrontation with Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram. Ahab's character is often seen as weak and compromising, especially in spiritual matters, which is evident in his interactions with foreign powers and his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who promoted Baal worship in Israel. “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” Persons / Places / Events 1. Ben-HadadThe king of Aram (Syria) who besieged Samaria and demanded tribute from Ahab, the king of Israel. 2. Ahab The king of Israel, known for his weak leadership and idolatry, who submitted to Ben-Hadad's demands. 3. Samaria The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by Ben-Hadad's forces. 4. Aram (Syria) A neighboring kingdom to Israel, often in conflict with Israel during this period. 5. Siege of Samaria The event where Ben-Hadad surrounded Samaria, leading to Ahab's submission. Teaching Points Submission to AuthorityAhab's response to Ben-Hadad's demands shows a lack of discernment in submission. Believers are called to submit to authority, but with wisdom and discernment, ensuring it aligns with God's will. Fear vs. Faith Ahab's fear led him to submit to Ben-Hadad without seeking God's guidance. Christians are encouraged to replace fear with faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His counsel in difficult situations. Leadership and Responsibility Ahab's leadership was marked by passivity and compromise. Godly leadership requires courage, integrity, and reliance on God's strength rather than human alliances. Material Possessions and Identity Ahab's willingness to give up his possessions and people reflects a misplaced identity. Believers should find their identity in Christ, not in material wealth or human approval. God's Sovereignty Despite Ahab's failures, God's sovereignty is evident throughout the account. Trusting in God's ultimate control can bring peace and direction in times of crisis. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 20:4?2. How does 1 Kings 20:4 demonstrate submission to authority in challenging situations? 3. What can we learn from Ahab's response to Ben-Hadad in 1 Kings 20:4? 4. How does Ahab's attitude in 1 Kings 20:4 compare to Romans 13:1-2? 5. In what ways can we apply Ahab's humility to our daily lives? 6. How does 1 Kings 20:4 encourage us to trust God's sovereignty over rulers? 7. What does 1 Kings 20:4 reveal about King Ahab's character and leadership? 8. How does Ahab's response in 1 Kings 20:4 reflect his faith or lack thereof? 9. What historical context is essential to understand 1 Kings 20:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20? 11. Psalm 138:4-5 speaks of all kings praising God. Is there any historical evidence that surrounding nations' rulers ever truly honored Israel's God in this way? 12. In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13? 13. How do we reconcile the setting up of a carved image in Judges 18:31 with the strict prohibition against idolatry found elsewhere in the Old Testament? 14. Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20? What Does 1 Kings 20:4 Mean And the king of Israel replied• The setting is a tense standoff between Ben-Hadad of Aram and King Ahab of Israel (1 Kings 20:1-3). • Ahab’s first instinct is reaction, not consultation with the LORD, echoing his pattern of self-reliance in 1 Kings 16:30-33. • Compare Hezekiah’s quick turn to prayer under threat in 2 Kings 19:1-4; the contrast highlights Ahab’s spiritual dullness. Just as you say, my lord the king • Ahab addresses the pagan monarch as “my lord,” signaling fearful deference rather than faith-filled courage (cf. Proverbs 29:25). • God’s design was for Israel’s king to trust Him and stand firm (Deuteronomy 20:1-4), yet Ahab bows to human intimidation, foreshadowing the snare of compromise seen again in 2 Kings 16:7-9. • The phrase exposes misplaced allegiance: Ahab embodies what Samuel warned in 1 Samuel 12:14-15—obedience to the LORD brings security; rejecting Him invites oppression. I am yours • In six startling characters, the king relinquishes personal sovereignty. • Scripture teaches that Israel—and her king—belong exclusively to the LORD (Exodus 34:14; 1 Kings 18:15-39). • Ahab’s declaration echoes Saul’s tragic admission to David, “I have played the fool” (1 Samuel 26:21), showing how fear erodes rightful identity. • For believers, the New Testament reaffirms true belonging: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). along with all that I have • Ahab surrenders family and fortune, the very stewardship God entrusted to him (Psalm 24:1). • This capitulation contrasts with Naboth’s later refusal to cede his vineyard (1 Kings 21:3), proving that even a common man could show more covenant loyalty than the king. • The elders’ immediate rebuke in 1 Kings 20:7 underscores that Ahab’s response was not inevitable; wiser counsel recognized the danger. • A pattern emerges: when leaders give ground to ungodly pressure, the people’s welfare is jeopardized (Ezekiel 34:2-4). summary 1 Kings 20:4 captures a moment of fearful submission: Ahab, devoid of prayer or prophetic guidance, yields himself and all he possesses to a foreign tyrant. The verse exposes a heart disconnected from covenant confidence, illustrating how reverence for man displaces trust in God. It serves as a sobering reminder that kings—and all believers—must anchor identity, allegiance, and resources in the LORD alone, resisting the temptation to appease worldly powers at the cost of faithful obedience. Verse 4. - And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. [Much has been written about Ahab's pusillanimous acquiescence in these disgraceful terms, etc. But it is not absolutely clear that he ever meant to surrender either wives or children to the invader. All that is certain is that he judged it wise, in the presence of the enormous force arrayed against him, to make every possible concession, to adopt the most subservient tone, and to cringe at the feet of Ben-hadad. But all the time he may have hoped that his soft answer would turn away wrath. It is very far from certain that had Ben-hadad sent to demand the wives and children which Ahab here seems willing to yield to him they would have been sent. When Ben-hadad threatens (ver. 6) a measure which involved much less indignity than the surrender of the entire seraglio to his lusts, Ahab stands at bay. Allowance must be made for the exaggerations of Eastern courtesy. The writer was entertained in 1861 by Jacob esh Shellabi, then sheykh of the Samaritans, who repeatedly used words very similar to these. "This house is yours," he would say; never meaning, however, that he should be taken at his word.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And the kingמֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc replied, וַיַּ֤עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond “Just as you say, כִּדְבָרְךָ֖ (kiḏ·ḇā·rə·ḵā) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause my lord אֲדֹנִ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the king: הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king I am yours, אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I along with all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I have.” לִֽי׃ (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew Links 1 Kings 20:4 NIV1 Kings 20:4 NLT 1 Kings 20:4 ESV 1 Kings 20:4 NASB 1 Kings 20:4 KJV 1 Kings 20:4 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 20:4 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 20:4 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 20:4 French Bible 1 Kings 20:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 20:4 The king of Israel answered It (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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