New International VersionThen the prophet went and stood by the road waiting for the king. He disguised himself with his headband down over his eyes.
New Living TranslationThe prophet placed a bandage over his eyes to disguise himself and then waited beside the road for the king.
English Standard VersionSo the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
Berean Standard Bibleand the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
King James BibleSo the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.
New King James VersionThen the prophet departed and waited for the king by the road, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
New American Standard BibleSo the prophet departed and waited for the king by the road, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
NASB 1995So the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
NASB 1977So the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
Legacy Standard BibleSo the prophet walked away and stood by, for the king by the way, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
Amplified BibleSo the prophet left and waited for King Ahab by the road, and disguised himself [as a wounded soldier] with a bandage over his eyes.
Christian Standard BibleThen the prophet went and waited for the king on the road. He disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen the prophet went and waited for the king on the road. He disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
American Standard VersionSo the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes.
Contemporary English VersionThe prophet left and put a bandage over his face to disguise himself. Then he went and stood beside the road, waiting for Ahab to pass by.
English Revised VersionSo the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen the prophet, disguised with a bandage over his eyes, waited for the king by the road.
Good News TranslationThe prophet bandaged his face with a cloth, to disguise himself, and went and stood by the road, waiting for the king of Israel to pass.
International Standard VersionThen the prophet left and waited for the king to pass by, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
NET BibleThe prophet then went and stood by the road, waiting for the king. He also disguised himself by putting a bandage down over his eyes.
New Heart English BibleSo the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes.
Webster's Bible TranslationSo the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
World English BibleSo the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the prophet goes and stands for the king on the way, and disguises himself with ashes on his eyes.
Young's Literal Translation and the prophet goeth and standeth for the king on the way, and disguiseth himself with ashes on his eyes.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the prophet will go and stand by the king by the way; and he will be disguised with a bandage over his eyes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo the prophet went, and met the king in the way, and disguised himself by sprinkling dust on his face and his eyes.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen the prophet departed. And he met the king along the way, and he changed his appearance by sprinkling dust around his mouth and eyes.
New American BibleThe prophet went on and waited for the king on the road, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
New Revised Standard VersionThen the prophet departed, and waited for the king along the road, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, and disguised his face with ashes.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the Prophet went on and stood before the King on the side of a road, and covered his face with ashes. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the prophet went and stood before the king of Israel by the way, and bound his eyes with a bandage.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context A Prophet Reproves Ahab… 37Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, 38and the prophetwentand waitedonthe roadfor the king,disguising himselfwith a bandageoverhis eyes.39As the king passed by, he cried out to the king: “Your servant had marched out into the middle of the battle, when suddenly a man came over with a captive and told me, ‘Guard this man! If he goes missing for any reason, your life will be exchanged for his life, or you will weigh out a talent of silver.’…
Cross References 2 Samuel 12:1-7Then 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 13:18-24Then 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 1:8“He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.
2 Kings 5:25-27When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. / But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.
2 Kings 6:8-12Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. ...
2 Kings 9:1-3Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. / When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. / Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”
2 Chronicles 18:29And 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.
Isaiah 20:2-3the 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,
Jeremiah 13:1-11This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and buy yourself a linen loincloth and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.” / So I bought a loincloth in accordance with the word of the LORD, and I put it around my waist. / Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time: ...
Ezekiel 4:1-5“Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem. / Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. / Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. ...
Ezekiel 24:15-24Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the desire of your eyes with a fatal blow. But you must not mourn or weep or let your tears flow. / Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners.” ...
Matthew 13:10-13Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. / Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ...
Matthew 21:28-32But 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. ...
Matthew 22:1-14Once again, Jesus spoke to them in parables: / “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. ...
Matthew 23:37-39O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. / For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Treasury of Scripture So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes on his face. he was gone [heb] he was not 2 Samuel 12:5-7 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan,As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done thisthing shall surely die: … Job 15:6 Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee. Matthew 21:41-43 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let outhis vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons… Jump to Previous AshesBandageCoveredDepartedDisguisedDisguisethDisguisingEyesFaceHeadbandHead-BandProphetPullingRoadSashStandethStoodWaitedWaitingWayJump to Next AshesBandageCoveredDepartedDisguisedDisguisethDisguisingEyesFaceHeadbandHead-BandProphetPullingRoadSashStandethStoodWaitedWaitingWay1 Kings 20 1.Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria13.By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain22.As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek28.By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again31.The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant35.The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner,39.making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against himand the prophet went and waited on the road for the kingThis phrase indicates the deliberate action of the prophet, who is often seen as a messenger of God. Prophets in the Old Testament frequently delivered messages directly from God to kings and leaders, often involving judgment or instruction. The road signifies a place of encounter, a common setting for divine messages to be delivered, as seen in other biblical narratives such as the encounter between Samuel and Saul. The king in this context is Ahab, a ruler known for his idolatry and disobedience to God, setting the stage for a confrontation that would reveal divine judgment. disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes
The act of disguise is significant in biblical narratives, often used to convey a deeper message or to fulfill a divine purpose. In this instance, the prophet's disguise with a bandage over his eyes serves as a symbolic act. It reflects the spiritual blindness of King Ahab, who fails to see and understand God's will. Disguises are used elsewhere in Scripture, such as when Saul disguises himself to visit the witch of Endor, highlighting themes of deception and the consequences of straying from God's commands. The bandage may also symbolize the impending judgment and the need for Ahab to see the truth of his actions. Persons / Places / Events 1. The ProphetA man of God who delivers messages from the Lord. In this context, he is acting under divine instruction to convey a message to King Ahab. 2. King AhabThe king of Israel, known for his disobedience to God and his marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into idolatry. 3. The RoadThe setting where the prophet positions himself to encounter King Ahab. It symbolizes a place of confrontation and revelation. 4. Disguise with a BandageThe prophet uses a bandage to cover his eyes, symbolizing deception and the need to reveal a deeper truth to Ahab. 5. The EventThis is part of a larger account where the prophet uses a parable to confront King Ahab about his failure to execute God’s judgment on Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram. Teaching Points The Power of ParablesParables are a powerful tool for revealing truth and prompting self-reflection. They allow individuals to see their actions from a different perspective. God’s Sovereignty in JudgmentGod’s instructions are to be followed completely. Ahab’s failure to execute God’s judgment on Ben-Hadad shows the importance of obedience to divine commands. The Role of ProphetsProphets often use unconventional methods to deliver God’s messages. This highlights the need for discernment and openness to God’s ways, which may not always align with human expectations. The Consequences of DisobedienceAhab’s account is a reminder that disobedience to God’s commands can lead to severe consequences, not just for the individual but for the nation. Spiritual BlindnessThe bandage over the prophet’s eyes symbolizes spiritual blindness. It serves as a reminder to seek God’s truth and avoid being blinded by our own desires or misconceptions. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20
How do the details of King Ahab's military campaigns in 1 Kings 20 align or conflict with other biblical passages about his reign?
2 Samuel 14:2–3: Does Joab’s use of a disguised woman to deceive David suggest a narrative hole, since such a ruse seems unlikely to fool a king?
2 Kings 20:7: Why was a simple poultice of figs sufficient to cure a fatal illness if it was truly life-threatening?
Isaiah 39:8: Why does Hezekiah seem untroubled by the future judgment pronounced on his descendants, and what does this imply about his character or leadership?(38) Ashes upon his face.--It should be a "bandage over his head," to cover his face, and to accord with the appearance of a wounded soldier. Unless the wound had some symbolic significance in application to Ahab or Israel, it is difficult to see what purpose it could serve. Verse 38. - So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face. [Rather, a bandage upon his eyes. אֲפֵר there can be no doubt, denotes some sort of covering (LXX. τελαμών), and is probably the equivalent of עֲפֵר. Ashes cannot be put on the eyes, and even on the head would be but a poor disguise. This bandage was at the same time in keeping with the prophet's role as a wounded man, and an effective means of concealment. It would almost seem as if this prophet was personally known to the king.]
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew and the prophetהַנָּבִ֔יא(han·nā·ḇî)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030:A spokesman, speaker, prophetwentוַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙(way·yê·leḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkand waitedוַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe roadהַדָּ֑רֶךְ(had·dā·reḵ)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionfor the king,לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ(lam·me·leḵ)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingdisguising himselfוַיִּתְחַפֵּ֥שׂ(way·yiṯ·ḥap·pêś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2664:To seek, to conceal oneself, maskwith a bandageבָּאֲפֵ֖ר(bā·’ă·p̄êr)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 666:A covering, bandageoverעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis eyes.עֵינָֽיו׃(‘ê·nāw)Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain
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OT History: 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed and waited (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
