1 Kings 22:33
New International Version
the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel and stopped pursuing him.

New Living Translation
the chariot commanders realized he was not the king of Israel, and they stopped chasing him.

English Standard Version
And when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Berean Standard Bible
And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass, the captains of the chariots seeing that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

New King James Version
And it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

New American Standard Bible
Then, when the commanders of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

NASB 1995
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

NASB 1977
Then it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So it happened that when the commanders of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Amplified Bible
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Berean Annotated Bible
And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel (he wrestles with God), they turned back from pursuing him.

Christian Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Contemporary English Version
they realized he wasn't Ahab, and they left him alone.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
the chariot commanders realized that he wasn't the king of Israel. They turned away from him.

Good News Translation
they realized that he was not the king of Israel, and they stopped their attack.

International Standard Version
When the chariot commanders saw that their target was not the king of Israel, they stopped pursuing him.

NET Bible
When the chariot commanders realized he was not the king of Israel, they turned away from him.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

World English Bible
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass, at the heads of the charioteers seeing that he [is] not the king of Israel, that they turn back from after him.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass, the captains of the chariots seeing that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass, at the heads of the charioteers seeing that he is not the king of Israel, that they turn back from after him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be when the chiefs of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, and they will turn back from after him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the captains of the chariots perceived that he was not the king of and they turned away from him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the commanders of the chariots understood that he was not the king of Israel, and so they turned away from him.

New American Bible
and the chariot commanders, seeing that he was not the king of Israel, turned away from him.

New Revised Standard Version
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the captains of the chariots saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the Captains of the chariots saw that he was not the King of Israel, they turned away from him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that this was not the king of Israel, that they returned from him.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Ahab's Defeat and Death
32When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely this is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out. 33And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 34However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”…

Cross References
And when the chariot commanders saw

2 Chronicles 18:31
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

Genesis 37:18
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
that he was not the king of Israel,

2 Chronicles 18:32
And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

1 Kings 14:2
and Jeroboam said to his wife, “Now get up, disguise yourself so they will not recognize you as my wife, and go to Shiloh. For Ahijah the prophet is there; it was he who spoke about my kingship over this people.

1 Samuel 28:8
So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.”
they turned back from pursuing him.

1 Samuel 23:28
So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.

1 Samuel 26:25
Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.

Exodus 14:28
The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
1 Kings 20:30-34
The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room. / Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” …

2 Kings 3:21-23
Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. / When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. / “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!”

2 Samuel 17:25-29
Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. / So the Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. / When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. …

2 Chronicles 18:29
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.

2 Kings 9:22-24
When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” / Joram turned around and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!” / Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.

2 Chronicles 35:21-22
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty, and God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” / Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo.

1 Samuel 29:4
But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men?


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

that they turned

1 Kings 22:31
But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

Psalm 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Jump to Previous
Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanders Heads Israel Perceived Pursuing Stopped Turn Turned War-Carriages
Jump to Next
Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanders Heads Israel Perceived Pursuing Stopped Turn Turned War-Carriages
1 Kings 22
1. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, by Michaiah's word, is slain at Ramoth Gilead
37. The dogs lick up his blood, and Ahaziah succeeds him
41. Jehoshaphat's good reign
45. His acts
46. Jehoram succeeds him
51. Ahaziah's evil reign












And when the chariot commanders saw

When the Aramean chariot commanders realized that the man before them was not the king of Israel, they broke off their attack. Ben-hadad had ordered them to fight neither great nor small, but only the king of Israel, making Ahab their chief objective in the battle.

2Ch 18:31 When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said,…
Gen 37:18 Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance,…
2Ki 6:17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes.”…

that he was not the king of Israel,

Jehoshaphat had worn his royal robes, while Ahab had disguised himself. The commanders had pursued Jehoshaphat believing him to be Ahab, but his cry and their closer recognition revealed their mistake. Jehoshaphat was spared from the attack directed against Israel’s king.

2Ch 18:32 And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king…
1Ki 14:2 and Jeroboam said to his wife, “Now get up,”…
1Sa 28:8 So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes…

they turned back from pursuing him.

The commanders obeyed their orders and withdrew from Jehoshaphat, continuing their search for Ahab. Though Ahab had attempted to avoid danger through disguise, the judgment pronounced against him would not be escaped.

1Sa 23:28 So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet…
1Sa 26:25 Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son.”…
Exo 14:28 The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who allied with Ahab, the king of Israel, to fight against the Arameans at Ramoth-gilead. He was mistakenly identified as the king of Israel by the Aramean chariot commanders.

2. Ahab
The king of Israel who disguised himself in battle to avoid being targeted by the Arameans, as they were specifically instructed to fight only against the king of Israel.

3. Aramean Chariot Commanders
Military leaders tasked with targeting the king of Israel during the battle. They initially pursued Jehoshaphat, mistaking him for Ahab.

4. Ramoth-gilead
The location of the battle between the allied forces of Israel and Judah against the Arameans.

5. The Battle
A significant conflict where the alliance between Israel and Judah faced the Arameans, highlighting themes of deception, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Teaching Points
Discernment in Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God's guidance before forming partnerships, especially with those who do not share the same values or faith.

The Danger of Deception
Ahab's attempt to disguise himself highlights the futility of trying to escape God's will through deceit. It reminds believers of the importance of integrity and trust in God's plans.

God's Sovereignty
The incident underscores God's control over events and His ability to fulfill His purposes, even through human actions and decisions.

The Power of Prayer
Jehoshaphat's cry for help when he was mistaken for Ahab demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of trouble and trusting in His deliverance.

The Role of Prophecy
The fulfillment of Micaiah's prophecy in this battle serves as a reminder of the reliability of God's word and the importance of heeding prophetic warnings.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 22:33?

2. How does 1 Kings 22:33 demonstrate God's protection over His chosen leaders?

3. What can we learn about discernment from the soldiers' actions in 1 Kings 22:33?

4. How does 1 Kings 22:33 connect with God's sovereignty in Romans 8:28?

5. How can we apply the soldiers' recognition of truth in our daily lives?

6. What role does divine intervention play in the events of 1 Kings 22:33?

7. Why did the Arameans mistake Jehoshaphat for the king of Israel in 1 Kings 22:33?

8. What does 1 Kings 22:33 reveal about ancient warfare tactics and alliances?

9. How does 1 Kings 22:33 illustrate God's protection over Jehoshaphat?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 22?


Verse 33. - And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived [in what way we are not told. But Ahab would be known to some of them, ch. 20:81] that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him

The verse records a split-second pivot that reveals God’s unseen hand: the chariot commanders spot the wrong man, recognize he is not Ahab, and immediately veer away. Ahab’s disguise cannot divert divine judgment; Jehoshaphat’s mistaken identity cannot override divine protection. The scene affirms that God’s purposes stand, His warnings prove true, and His people are kept even amid battlefield confusion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

when the chariot
הָרֶ֔כֶב (hā·re·ḵeḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

commanders
שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

saw
כִּרְאוֹת֙ (kir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
ה֑וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

was not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

the king
מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

they turned back
וַיָּשׁ֖וּבוּ (way·yā·šū·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from pursuing him.
מֵאַחֲרָֽיו׃ (mê·’a·ḥă·rāw)
Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part


Additonal Resources
1 Kings 22:33 Blue Letter Bible
1 Kings 22:33 Bible Gateway
1 Kings 22:33 Bible.com

1 Kings 22:33 NIV
1 Kings 22:33 NLT
1 Kings 22:33 ESV
1 Kings 22:33 NASB
1 Kings 22:33 KJV

1 Kings 22:33 Study Bible
1 Kings 22:33 Biblia Paralela
1 Kings 22:33 Chinese Bible
1 Kings 22:33 French Bible
1 Kings 22:33 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Kings 22:33 It happened when the captains (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)

1 Kings 22:32
Top of Page
Top of Page