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1 Kings 12:22

1 Kings 12:22 in Multiple Translations

But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

But the word of God came to Shemaiah, the man of God, saying,

But a message from the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God that said,

But the worde of God came vnto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

And the word of God is unto Shemaiah a man of God, saying,

But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

But the word of the Lord came to Semeias the man of God, saying:

But God spoke to the prophet Shemaiah and said this to him:

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:22

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 12:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִי֙ דְּבַ֣ר הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶל שְׁמַעְיָ֥ה אִישׁ הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דְּבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
שְׁמַעְיָ֥ה Shᵉmaʻyâh H8098 Shemaiah N-proper
אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:22

וַ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
דְּבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שְׁמַעְיָ֥ה Shᵉmaʻyâh H8098 "Shemaiah" N-proper
Shemaiah means heard by God, the name of 25 Israelites, including a prophet in King Rehoboam's time and a false prophet in Jeremiah's time. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 36:12. Shemaiah was also the father of Delaiah, a prince of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.36.12; father of: Delaiah (H1806K) § Shemaiah = "heard by Jehovah" 1) a prophet of the Lord in the reign of king Rehoboam of Judah 2) the Nehelamite, a false prophet in the time of the prophet Jeremiah 3) father of Delaiah, one of the princes of Judah in the time of the prophet Jeremiah 4) an inhabitant of Kirjathjearim and father of Urijah, a prophet of the Lord in the time of the prophet Jeremiah 5) a Judaite, son of Shechaniah, father of Hattush, and descendant of Zerubbabel 6) a Simeonite, father of Shimri 7) a Reubenite, son of Joel and father of Gog 8) a Merarite Levite, son of Hasshub in the time of Nehemiah 9) a Levite, son of Galal and father of Obadiah 10) a Levite and head of the family of the sons of Elizaphan who were commissioned to bring the ark to Jerusalem in the time of David 11) a Levite and scribe, son of Nethaneel in the time of David 12) a Levite, 1st son of Obed-Edom in the time of David 13) a Levite, descendant of Jeduthun the singer in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 14) a Levite, one of the messengers of Ezra to Iddo 15) a Levite in the time of king Jehoshaphat of Judah 16) a Levite, one of several in charge of distributing the free will offerings brought to God to their Levite brethren in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 17) a Levite in the time of king Josiah of Judah 18) head of a family of exiles who returned with Ezra 19) a priest, of the sons of Harim who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 20) an Israelite of the sons of Harim who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 21) son of Delaiah, grandson of Mehetabeel, and a false prophet hired by Tobiah and Sanballat to give false guidance to Nehemiah 22) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah and participated in the dedication of the wall 23) a priest who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 24) a leader of the people at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 25) grandfather of the priest Zechariah who participated in the dedication of the wall in the time of Nehemiah 26) another of the priests who along with 25 took part in the dedication of the wall in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Shemaiah. See also: 1 Kings 12:22; 2 Chronicles 35:9; Jeremiah 26:20.
אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:22

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 11:2 But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God:
2 2 Chronicles 12:5–7 Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, “This is what the LORD says: ‘You have forsaken Me; therefore, I have forsaken you into the hand of Shishak.’” So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.” When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon grant them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.
3 1 Kings 13:1 Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD.
4 2 Kings 4:22 And the woman called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may go quickly to the man of God and return.”
5 1 Kings 13:11 Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king.
6 1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
7 1 Kings 13:4–5 Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.
8 2 Kings 4:16 And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.”
9 2 Kings 4:27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”
10 1 Kings 17:24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.”

1 Kings 12:22 Summary

The verse 1 Kings 12:22 tells us that God spoke to Shemaiah, a man of God, during a critical moment in Israel's history. This shows that God is always involved in the lives of His people and guides them according to His will, as also seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4. By listening to and obeying God's word, we can avoid conflict and find peace, just like Rehoboam and the people of Judah did when they heeded God's message through Shemaiah. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the word of God coming to Shemaiah in 1 Kings 12:22?

The word of God coming to Shemaiah signifies that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, guiding and directing them, as seen in other instances like Isaiah 38:4 and Jeremiah 1:4.

Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?

Shemaiah is referred to as a man of God, indicating he is a prophet or a messenger of God, similar to other prophets like Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1 and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:1.

Why did God speak to Shemaiah instead of Rehoboam directly?

God speaking to Shemaiah instead of Rehoboam directly may indicate that Rehoboam was not in a position to receive a direct message from God, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Proverbs 28:13.

How does this event relate to the division of Israel?

This event is a pivotal moment in the division of Israel, as it shows God's sovereignty over the actions of kings and nations, similar to what is seen in 1 Samuel 16:14 and 1 Kings 11:30-31.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does obedience to God's word play in our lives, and how can we apply this principle from 1 Kings 12:22 to our own circumstances?
  2. How does recognizing God's sovereignty over all events, as seen in this verse, impact our trust and faith in Him?
  3. In what ways can we, like Shemaiah, be vessels for God's message to others, and what does this require of us?
  4. What can we learn from the timing of God's intervention in 1 Kings 12:22, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives when faced with difficult decisions?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:22

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God,.... A prophet in those days, see 2 Chronicles 12:15 and the word that came to him, as in the Targum, is called the word of prophecy: saying; as follows.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:22

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:22

The man of God, i.e. the prophet, so called, partly to distinguish him from others of that name; see ; and partly to add the more weight to his words.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:22

1 Kings 12:22 But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,Ver. 22. But the word of God came.] God is said to have come to Balaam, to Laban, and to other profane wretches; but his "word" came only to "his holy prophets, which have been since the world began."

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:22

(22) Shemaiah the man of God.—From the notices in 2 Chronicles 12:5-8; 2 Chronicles 12:15, it would seem that, while Ahijah belonged to Shiloh in Ephraim, and continued to dwell there, Shemaiah was rather attached to Judah, and hence, that his interference to protect the new kingdom was the more striking and unexpected. In this interposition, to which probably the very preservation of Jeroboam’s half-formed kingdom was due, there is a fresh indication of the great opportunity given to that kingdom to maintain itself, under the blessing of God and in devotion to His service. The phrase “your brethren, the children of Israel,” marks this with much emphasis.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:22

22. the word of God] How Shemaiah and other prophets received their commission is not always explained. Sometimes it is said ‘the Lord sent’ (cf. 2 Samuel 12:1; 2 Samuel 12:25). The prompting by a vision in sleep is most frequently recorded, and this we may assume in other cases to have been the way in which God’s message came. Shemaiah] Beside the present notice of him, Shemaiah is also mentioned at the time when Shishak, king of Egypt, invaded Judæa and besieged Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 12:5; 2 Chronicles 12:7). He then was sent with a message of comfort to the princes of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 12:15 he is said to have written a chronicle of the reign of Rehoboam.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:22

Shemaiah was the chief prophet in Judah during the reign of Rehoboam, as Ahijah was in Israel. See the marginal references.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:22

22. Shemaiah — With this man of God we here meet for the first time, and though our knowledge of him is limited to a few scattered notices, we see in them how vast a moral power the prophets of this

Sermons on 1 Kings 12:22

SermonDescription
Joshua Daniel Falling Into the Hand of God by Joshua Daniel In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the consequences of forsaking God and turning to worldly kings. He references the story of Shishak, the king of Egypt, invading Judah becaus
Vance Havner Don't Miss Your Miracle by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and being open to His calling. He shares personal anecdotes of individuals who were impacte
William Fitch Tragedy of Deflected Aims by William Fitch In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragedy of deflected aims and the importance of staying focused on the will of God. He emphasizes that the Bible is full of human stories
John Hunter The Man of God - 1 Kings 13 by John Hunter In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of men of God who can effectively deliver the word of God to the audience. He compares the young man who appeared before Jero
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
Greg Locke The Dynamics and the Downfall of the Man of God by Greg Locke In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a fearless and dynamic preacher of the word of God. He criticizes preachers who have lost their fearlessness and foc
Carter Conlon The Prophet From Judea by Carter Conlon Carter Conlon emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to God's calling, warning against the dangers of compromise and the influence of those who liv

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