1 Kings 13:18

1 Kings 13:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then 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,

King James Version KJV

He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.

American Standard Version ASV

And he said unto him, I also am a prophet as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of Jehovah, saying, Bring him back with thee into thy house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said to him, I am a prophet like you; and an angel said to me by the word of the Lord, Take him back with you and give him food and water. But he said false words to him.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the old prophet told him, “I am also a prophet, just like you. An angel told me God said, ‘Take him home with you so that he can have something to eat and drink’” But he was lying to him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he said vnto him, I am a Prophet also as thou art, and an Angel spake vnto me by the worde of the Lord, saying, Bring him againe with thee into thine house, that hee may eate bread and drinke water: but he lyed vnto him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith to him, 'I also [am] a prophet like thee, and a messenger spake unto me by the word of Jehovah, saying, Bring him back with thee unto thy house, and he doth eat bread and drink water;' — he hath lied to him.

World English Bible WEB

He said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the LORD’s word, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’” He lied to him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

He said to him, I am a prophet also as thou art ; and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thy house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He said to him: I also am a prophet like unto thee: and an angel spoke to me in the word of the Lord, saying: Bring him back with thee into thy house, that he may eat bread, and drink water. He deceived him,

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the old prophet said to him, “I also am a prophet, like you are. Yahweh sent an angel to tell me that I should take you home with me and give you some food and drink.” But the old man was lying when he said that.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 13:18

BAB

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 13:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗/וֹ גַּם אֲנִ֣י נָבִיא֮ כָּמוֹ/ךָ֒ וּ/מַלְאָ֡ךְ דִּבֶּ֣ר אֵלַ/י֩ בִּ/דְבַ֨ר יְהוָ֜ה לֵ/אמֹ֗ר הֲשִׁבֵ֤/הוּ אִתְּ/ךָ֙ אֶל בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ וְ/יֹ֥אכַל לֶ֖חֶם וְ/יֵ֣שְׁתְּ מָ֑יִם כִּחֵ֖שׁ לֽ/וֹ

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל֗/וֹ Prep | Suff

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

נָבִיא֮ nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet N-ms

כָּמוֹ/ךָ֒ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep | Suff

וּ/מַלְאָ֡ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger Conj | N-ms

דִּבֶּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

אֵלַ/י֩ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

בִּ/דְבַ֨ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הֲשִׁבֵ֤/הוּ shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff

אִתְּ/ךָ֙ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff

וְ/יֹ֥אכַל ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לֶ֖חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs

וְ/יֵ֣שְׁתְּ shâthâh H8354 to drink Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מָ֑יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

כִּחֵ֖שׁ kâchash H3584 to deceive V-Piel-Perf-3ms

לֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 13:18

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

ל֗/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

נָבִיא֮ nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" N-ms

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

כָּמוֹ/ךָ֒ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep | Suff

This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.

Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were

Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.

וּ/מַלְאָ֡ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" Conj | N-ms

A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.

Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.

דִּבֶּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֵלַ/י֩ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

בִּ/דְבַ֨ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | 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.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הֲשִׁבֵ֤/הוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אִתְּ/ךָ֙ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ bayith H1004 "place" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

וְ/יֹ֥אכַל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

לֶ֖חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וְ/יֵ֣שְׁתְּ shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

מָ֑יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

כִּחֵ֖שׁ kâchash H3584 "to deceive" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To deceive or lie, as seen in Psalm 116:11 where the psalmist says all people are liars. It means to be untrue in word or deed, disappointing or failing others. This concept is also found in Proverbs 10:18.

Definition: 1) to deceive, lie, fail, grow lean, be disappointing, be untrue, be insufficient, be found liars, belie, deny, dissemble, deal falsely 1a) (Qal) to become lean 1b) (Niphal) to cringe, feign obedience 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to deceive, deny falsely 1c2) to act deceptively 1c3) to cringe 1c4) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hithpael) to cringe, feign obedience

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, be found liars, (be-) lie, lying, submit selves. See also: Genesis 18:15; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 66:3.

לֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — 1 Kings 13:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 13:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 13:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 13:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 13:18
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 13:18
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18
Sermons on 1 Kings 13:18

Context — The Old Prophet and the Man of God

16But the man replied, “I cannot go home with you, and I will not eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17For I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”

18Then 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,

19but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water. 20While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 John 4:1	Beloved, 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	Matthew 7:15	Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
3	Numbers 22:35	But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
4	2 Peter 2:1	Now 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.
5	Jeremiah 23:32	“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.
6	2 Corinthians 11:3	I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
7	Jeremiah 28:15–16	Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The LORD did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie. Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. You will die this year because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.’”
8	Jeremiah 23:17	They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’
9	Jeremiah 5:12	They have lied about the LORD and said: “He will not do anything; harm will not come to us; we will not see sword or famine.
10	Jeremiah 5:31	The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

1 Kings 13:18 Summary

In 1 Kings 13:18, the old prophet lied to the man of God, telling him that an angel had spoken to him and told him to bring the man of God back to his house. However, this was not true, and the old prophet was trying to get the man of God to disobey God's clear command. This verse teaches us that we must be careful to obey God's commands, even when others try to deceive us or pressure us into doing something else (as seen in 1 Kings 13:16-17 and Romans 6:17). By studying God's word and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can discern truth from deception and live in obedience to God's will (as seen in John 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-16).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the old prophet lie to the man of God in 1 Kings 13:18?

The old prophet lied to the man of God in order to get him to disobey God's clear command, as seen in 1 Kings 13:16-17, and this act of deception led to severe consequences, as seen in 1 Kings 13:20 and following verses.

Can angels really speak on behalf of the Lord, as the old prophet claimed in 1 Kings 13:18?

Yes, angels can speak on behalf of the Lord, as seen in Luke 1:26-38 and Acts 8:26, but in this case, the old prophet was using this claim to deceive the man of God, rather than speaking truthfully.

What does this verse teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands?

This verse highlights the importance of obeying God's commands, even when faced with pressure or deception from others, as seen in 1 Kings 13:16-18, and reminds us that disobedience can have serious consequences, as seen in 1 Kings 13:20-24 and Romans 6:23.

How can we discern when someone is speaking truthfully on behalf of the Lord, versus when they are deceiving us?

We can discern truth from deception by testing what is said against the written word of God, as seen in Acts 17:11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21, and by seeking wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit, as seen in John 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-16.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be tempted to disobey God's commands, and how can I resist those temptations?
How can I be sure that I am hearing God's voice, rather than the voice of deception or my own desires?
What are some consequences that I may face if I disobey God's commands, and how can I avoid those consequences?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding me and helping me to discern truth from deception, and how can I cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 13:18

And he said unto him,.... That is, the old prophet said to the man of God: I am a prophet also as thou art; meaning, that he was a prophet of the true God, and not of any idol deity; that he not only

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 13:18

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18

Not with evil design against him, but out of curiosity to know all the truth and circumstances from his own mouth, and to express his kindness to him, and to relieve his pressing hunger; whereby possibly he thought to please God, and to compensate for his miscarriages. But his sin was great; for he did not only tell a premeditated lie, but also made God a liar, and to contradict himself, and all this without any pretence of necessity, or benefit to himself.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18

1 Kings 13:18 He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him.Ver. 18. I am a prophet also.] A prophet, and yet tell a lie! What a foul business is that! It was wont to be said, Sacerdos est, non fallet: Christianus est, non mentietur. But afterwards it became a proverb, ‘ A friar a liar.’ And an angel spake unto me.] Lie and all; unless it were an angel of darkness, such as Pisanus reporteth spake to John of Alvern, a friar, when in a rapture, indeed in a diabolical delusion, he was elevated above every creature; and his soul swallowed up in the abyss of the divinity. By the word of the Lord.] This Bethelite boasting himself of a false gift, was like clouds and wind without rain, as the wise man hath it. That he may eat bread.] This, to a hungry man, was a sore temptation, and soon yielded unto. But he lied unto him.] And thereby cheated him into the lion’ s mouth: so do sect masters simple men and silly women, into the devil’ s danger. Nothing is so apt to deceive as the fairest semblances, as the sweetest words. We cannot be deceived, saith a reverend writer, if we believe not the speech for the person, but the person for the speech. A good man, saith another, may act for Satan, and not discern it. Mr Archer, a holy man, did hold and broach hellish opinions. The temptation lieth in this, when angels from heaven, men of singular parts and piety, preach other doctrines. Ex lib. conformitat.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18

(18) An angel spake unto me.—The lie was gross, and ought to have been obvious to one who had received a plain command, and must have known that “God was not a man that He should lie, or the son of man that He should repent.” It was believed, no doubt, because it chimed in with some secret reluctance to obey, and, by obedience, to give up all reward and hospitality. Hence the belief was a self-deceit, and, as such, culpable. It is inexplicable that the condemnation which it drew down should have been thought strange by any who understands human nature, and knows the self-deceiving colour which our wish gives to our thought. (See the famous Sermon of Bishop Butler on “Self-deceit.”)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18

Verse 18. An angel spake unto me] That he lied unto him is here expressly asserted, and is amply proved by the event. But why should he deceive him? The simple principle of curiosity to know all about this prediction, and the strange facts which had taken place, of which he had heard at second hand by means of his sons, was sufficient to induce such a person to get the intelligence he wished by any means. We may add to this, that, as he found the man of God sitting under an oak, probably faint with fatigue and fasting, for he had had no refreshment, his humanity might have led him to practise this deception, in order to persuade him to take some refreshment. Having fallen from God, as I have supposed, 1Kg 13:11, his own tenderness of conscience was gone; and he would not scruple to do a moral evil, if even a temporal good could come of it. Again, is it not possible that the old prophet was himself deceived? for, though he lied unto him, it is possible that he was not conscious of his lie, for Satan, as an angel of light, might have deceived him in order to lead him to deceive the other. He does not say, as the man of God did, It was said to me by the word of the Lord; no: but, An angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord. And I think it very likely that an angel did appear to him on the occasion; an angel of darkness and idolatry, in the garb of an angel of light, who wished to use him as an instrument to bring discredit on the awful transactions which had lately taken place, and to destroy him who had foretold the destruction of his power and influence.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 13:18

18. He said unto him] The Hebrew has the conjunction ‘And he said’: there is no reason for its omission in the English. I am a prophet also] The order of the R.V. is to be preferred. ‘I also am a prophet’ i.e. as well as you. an angel spake unto me] The old prophet does not lay claim to so solemn a message, as that which the prophet of Judah had received directly ‘by the word of the Lord.’ And in this the Judæan prophet’s sin lay that he did not seek as much confirmation for the reversed order as he had for that which came to him at first.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 13:18

But he lied unto him - It is always to be remembered that the prophetic gift might co-exist with various degrees of moral imperfection in the person possessing it. Note especially the case of Balaam.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:18

18. I am a prophet also — “The door of his heart seems to have been standing ajar, almost half-opened already, to the invitations of the old man. Otherwise surely he would have said: Thou a prophet!

Sermons on 1 Kings 13:18

	Sermon	Description
	Matthew 15:14 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the theme of misguided men, emphasizing how many are led astray by false precepts, false prophets, their own lusts, and the lies of Satan. He illustrates thes
	When the Veil Is Taken Off by Anne Dutton	Anne Dutton preaches on the petition 'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil' from Matthew 6:13. She explains the meaning of temptation in various forms - from G
	Spiritual Treason by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's
	Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan	This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import
	How to Tell When a Thing Is From God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encou
	The Love of the Truth by Art Katz	This sermon delves into the importance of discernment, the need to seek God's truth beyond mere blessings, and the danger of being deceived by false appearances of spirituality. It
	The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus o