New International VersionBut Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?”
New Living TranslationBut Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.”
English Standard VersionBut Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?”
Berean Standard BibleBut Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”
King James BibleBut Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?
New King James VersionBut Jehoshaphat said, “ Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?”
New American Standard BibleBut Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no longer a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of him?”
NASB 1995But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not yet a prophet of the LORD here that we may inquire of him?”
NASB 1977But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not yet a prophet of the LORD here that we may inquire of him?”
Legacy Standard BibleBut Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not yet a prophet of Yahweh here that we may inquire of him?”
Amplified BibleBut Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD still here by whom we may inquire?”
Christian Standard BibleBut Jehoshaphat asked, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD here anymore? Let’s ask him.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut Jehoshaphat asked, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahweh here anymore? Let’s ask him.”
American Standard VersionBut Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah besides, that we may inquire of him?
Contemporary English VersionBut Jehoshaphat said, "Just to make sure, is there another of the LORD's prophets we can ask?"
English Revised VersionBut Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here besides a prophet of the LORD, that we might inquire of him?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there a prophet of the LORD whom we could ask?"
Good News TranslationBut Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there another prophet through whom we can consult the LORD?"
International Standard VersionBut Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there a prophet of the LORD left here that we could talk to?"
NET BibleBut Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD still here, that we may ask him?"
New Heart English BibleBut Jehoshaphat said, "Isn't there here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we may inquire of him?"
Webster's Bible TranslationBut Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we may inquire of him? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”
World English BibleBut Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there here a prophet of Yahweh besides, that we may inquire of him?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jehoshaphat says, “[Is there] not still a prophet of YHWH here, and we seek from him?”
Young's Literal Translation And Jehoshaphat saith, 'Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah still, and we seek from him?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jehoshaphat will say, Is there not yet more a prophet to Jehovah, and we will seek from him? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Josaphat said: Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire also of him?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord here, so that we may inquire of him as well?”
New American BibleBut Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no other prophet of the LORD here we might consult?”
New Revised Standard VersionBut Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no other prophet of the LORD here of whom we may inquire?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut King Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a true prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of him?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd King Yehoshaphat said: “Is there here a true Prophet of LORD JEHOVAH that we may inquire of him?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But Jehoshaphat said: 'Is there not here besides a prophet of the LORD, that we might inquire of him?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Josaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we may enquire of him?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab… 5So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” 6But Jehoshaphatasked,“Is there notstilla prophetof the LORDhereof whom we can inquire?”7The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man who can ask the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.…
Cross References 1 Kings 22:7But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”
Jeremiah 23:16This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:21-22I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. / But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”
Ezekiel 13:3This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.
Ezekiel 13:6-7They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. / Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?
Deuteronomy 18:20-22But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” / You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
Isaiah 30:10They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.
Isaiah 8:19-20When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? / To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Jeremiah 14:14“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.
Jeremiah 27:9-10But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ / For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish.
Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 24:24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
1 John 4:1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 Peter 2:1Now 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.
Acts 13:6-10They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, / an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. / But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. ...
Treasury of Scripture But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? Is there not 1 Kings 22:7-9 And Jehoshaphat said,Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? … 2 Kings 3:11-13 But Jehoshaphat said,Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Hereis Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah… besides [heb] yet, or more Jump to Previous BesidesDirectionsEnquireInquireJehoshaphatJehosh'aphatProphetSeekJump to Next BesidesDirectionsEnquireInquireJehoshaphatJehosh'aphatProphetSeek2 Chronicles 18 1.Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead4.Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain thereBut Jehoshaphat askedJehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is portrayed as a godly ruler who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, unlike many of his contemporaries. His inquiry reflects his desire for divine guidance, a characteristic that sets him apart from Ahab, the king of Israel. This moment occurs during a meeting with Ahab, who sought Jehoshaphat's alliance in battle against Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat's question indicates his caution and reliance on God's direction, contrasting with Ahab's reliance on false prophets. “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here
Jehoshaphat's question underscores the importance of seeking counsel from a true prophet of Yahweh, rather than the false prophets who were present. In the context of ancient Israel, prophets served as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to the people. The presence of a true prophet was crucial for discerning God's will. This reflects the biblical principle of testing the spirits to see whether they are from God (1John 4:1). Jehoshaphat's insistence on consulting a prophet of the LORD highlights the distinction between true and false prophecy, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. of whom we can inquire?”
The act of inquiring of the LORD was a common practice for Israelite kings seeking guidance in matters of national importance. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as when David inquired of the LORD before going into battle (1 Samuel 23:2). Jehoshaphat's desire to inquire of a prophet of the LORD demonstrates his commitment to seeking divine wisdom and direction. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, providing perfect guidance and revelation from God (Hebrews 1:1-2). Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to bring spiritual reform to his kingdom. He sought God's guidance in decision-making. 2. AhabThe king of Israel, known for his wickedness and idolatry, particularly his worship of Baal. He often disregarded the true prophets of God. 3. ProphetsIn this context, the prophets are those who claim to speak on behalf of God. Jehoshaphat seeks a true prophet of the LORD, indicating a distinction between true and false prophets. 4. Ramoth-gileadThe location of the battle that Ahab and Jehoshaphat were considering. It was a strategic city east of the Jordan River. 5. MicaiahAlthough not mentioned in this specific verse, he is the prophet of the LORD whom Jehoshaphat eventually consults. Micaiah is known for speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular. Teaching Points Seeking God's GuidanceJehoshaphat's desire to inquire of a prophet of the LORD highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions. We should prioritize God's wisdom over human counsel. Discernment of True ProphetsThe distinction between true and false prophets is crucial. Believers must exercise discernment, ensuring that the voices they heed align with God's Word. Courage to Speak TruthMicaiah's role, though not directly mentioned in this verse, reminds us of the courage required to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or unwelcome. Unity in LeadershipJehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of aligning with ungodly influences. Believers should seek unity with those who share a commitment to God's truth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 18:6?
2.Why did Jehoshaphat seek a prophet of the LORD in 2 Chronicles 18:6?
3.How can we prioritize seeking God's counsel in our decisions today?
4.What does 2 Chronicles 18:6 teach about the importance of godly counsel?
5.How does seeking God's guidance align with Proverbs 3:5-6?
6.In what ways can we ensure our advisors are aligned with biblical truth?
7.Why did Jehoshaphat seek a prophet of the LORD in 2 Chronicles 18:6?
8.What does 2 Chronicles 18:6 reveal about the importance of seeking God's guidance?
9.How does 2 Chronicles 18:6 challenge the authority of false prophets?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 18?
11.Who was Micaiah in the Bible?
12.In 2 Chronicles 18:14-17, why does Micaiah offer a prophecy so different from the other prophets--could this indicate conflicting traditions?
13.In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise?
14.Who was King Jehoram/Joram in biblical history?What Does 2 Chronicles 18:6 Mean But Jehoshaphat asked- Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, has just listened to Ahab’s four hundred court prophets who unanimously promise victory (2 Chron 18:5). - His request shows discernment; he is uneasy despite the majority opinion. Compare1 Kings 22:7, where the parallel account records the same question, highlighting his consistent concern for genuine revelation. - Earlier, Jehoshaphat had “sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments” (2 Chron 17:3-4). His character inclines him to look beyond political alliances to divine guidance.
Is there not still a prophet- The phrase implies Jehoshaphat senses something lacking in the voices already heard. He suspects these men speak for the king rather than for God. - Genuine prophets were sometimes few and isolated (1 Kings 18:22), yet God always preserved a witness to truth (2 Kings 6:16-17). - His wording hints at hope: “still” suggests that, despite corruption at Ahab’s court, a true spokesman may remain.
of the LORD here- Jehoshaphat specifies “of the LORD” (YHWH), not merely any religious figure. He wants a prophet who stands in covenant relationship with Israel’s God. - His insistence mirrorsDeuteronomy 18:18-22, where God promises to raise up prophets who will speak His words faithfully. - By adding “here,” Jehoshaphat presses for an immediate, onsite source of divine counsel—one not imported or delayed, underscoring urgency.
of whom we can inquire?- Inquire implies submission: the kings are to ask and then obey.Psalm 25:4-5 portrays the righteous seeking God’s ways; Jehoshaphat desires that posture. - He uses “we,” including Ahab, inviting the northern king to honor the same God. This reflects the ideal of united covenant faithfulness (2 Chron 15:12). - The question sets up the introduction of Micaiah, whose solitary stand (2 Chron 18:13) contrasts sharply with the compliant crowd, proving that truth is not decided by majority vote.
summaryJehoshaphat’s simple question exposes the difference between human consensus and divine authority. By seeking “a prophet of the LORD,” he demonstrates discernment, covenant loyalty, and willingness to submit to God’s revealed will, reminding us that authentic guidance comes from faithful voices speaking God’s unchanging word, not from popular opinion. (6) But-- And. So 1Kings 22:7, literally. Verse 6. - The Revised Version well at-ranges the words of this verse, "Is there not here besides a prophet of the Lord?" The conscience of Ahab successfully made a coward of him, that he took so quietly this pronounced slight put on his kingdom s prophets ( prophetae vitulorum) by his brother-king Jehoshaphat!
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But Jehoshaphatיְה֣וֹשָׁפָ֔ט(yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092:Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelitesasked,וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Is there notהַאֵ֨ין(ha·’ên)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlestillע֑וֹד(‘ō·wḏ)Adverb
Strong's 5750:Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, morea prophetנָבִ֛יא(nā·ḇî)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030:A spokesman, speaker, prophetof the LORDלַיהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhereפֹּ֥ה(pōh)Adverb
Strong's 6311:This place, hereof whom we can inquire?”מֵאֹתֽוֹ׃(mê·’ō·ṯōw)Preposition-m | Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
Links 2 Chronicles 18:6 NIV2 Chronicles 18:6 NLT2 Chronicles 18:6 ESV2 Chronicles 18:6 NASB2 Chronicles 18:6 KJV
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:6 But Jehoshaphat said Isn't there here (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
