1 Kings 20:17
1 Kings 20:17 in Multiple Translations
And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.”
And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Ben-hadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria.
And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Ben-hadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out from Samaria.
And the servants of the chiefs who were over the divisions of the land went forward first; and when Ben-hadad sent out, they gave him the news, saying, Men have come out from Samaria.
The young officers of the district commanders took the lead. The scouts Ben-hadad had sent out came and reported to him, “Enemy soldiers are advancing from Samaria.”
So the seruants of the princes of the prouinces went out first: and Ben-hadad sent out, and they shewed him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria.
And the young men of the heads of the provinces go out at the first, and Ben-Hadad sendeth, and they declare to him, saying, 'Men have come out of Samaria.'
The young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Ben Hadad sent out, and they told him, saying, “Men are coming out from Samaria.”
And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Ben-hadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria.
And the servants of the princes of the provinces went out first. And Benadad sent. And they told him, saying: There are men come out of Samaria.
The young soldiers advanced first. Some scouts who had been sent out by Ben-Hadad reported to him, “There are men coming out of Samaria city”!
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:17
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 20:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצְא֗וּ
נַעֲרֵ֛י
שָׂרֵ֥י
הַ/מְּדִינ֖וֹת
בָּ/רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח
בֶּן
הֲדַ֗ד
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
ל/וֹ֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
אֲנָשִׁ֕ים
יָצְא֖וּ
מִ/שֹּׁמְרֽוֹן
וַ/יֵּצְא֗וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
נַעֲרֵ֛י
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-mp
שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
הַ/מְּדִינ֖וֹת
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
province
Art | N-fp
בָּ/רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Prep | Adj
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֶּן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
N-proper
הֲדַ֗ד
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
N-proper
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֲנָשִׁ֕ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
יָצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ/שֹּׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
Prep | N-proper
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 20:17
וַ/יֵּצְא֗וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
נַעֲרֵ֛י
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הַ/מְּדִינ֖וֹת
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
"province"
Art | N-fp
Means a province or district, referring to a region or jurisdiction, like a judgeship or area ruled by a judge.
Definition: 1) province, district 1a) district 1b) province Aramaic equivalent: me.di.nah (מְדִינָה "province" H4083)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] every) province. See also: 1 Kings 20:14; Esther 8:5; Daniel 11:24.
בָּ/רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Prep | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בֶּן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
הֲדַ֗ד
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
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.
אֲנָשִׁ֕ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
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.
יָצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/שֹּׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
Prep | N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:17
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:17
Context — Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
15So Ahab assembled the young officers of the district governors, and there were 232 men. And after them, he assembled the rest of the Israelite troops, 7,000 in all.
16They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.
17And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.”
18“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” 19Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 20:14–15 | “By whom?” Ahab asked. And the prophet replied, “This is what the LORD says: ‘By the young officers of the district governors.’” “Who will start the battle?” asked Ahab. “You will,” answered the prophet. So Ahab assembled the young officers of the district governors, and there were 232 men. And after them, he assembled the rest of the Israelite troops, 7,000 in all. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:19 | Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them, |
1 Kings 20:17 Summary
[This verse shows how the young officers of the district governors took the lead and marched out first to face the enemy, demonstrating their courage and faith in God. It also highlights the importance of being prepared and gathering information, like Ben-hadad's scouts, as seen in 1 Kings 20:17. Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's sovereignty and have confidence that He is working all things out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. By putting on the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, we can counter Satan's strategies and trust in God's power to overcome them.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ben-hadad send out scouts to gather information about the Israelites?
Ben-hadad sent out scouts to gather information about the Israelites because he wanted to know their intentions and prepare his army accordingly, as seen in 1 Kings 20:17. This is similar to how spies were sent out in other biblical accounts, such as in Joshua 2:1.
What can we learn from the fact that the young officers of the district governors marched out first?
The fact that the young officers of the district governors marched out first shows that they were willing to take the lead and face the enemy head-on, demonstrating courage and faith in God, similar to the faith exhibited by David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse relates to spiritual warfare because it shows how the enemy, in this case Ben-hadad, seeks to gather information and gain an advantage over God's people, much like Satan does in Ephesians 6:12. However, God is always sovereign and can use even the enemy's plans for His own purposes, as seen in Isaiah 46:10.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of reconnaissance and intelligence in warfare?
This verse teaches us that reconnaissance and intelligence are crucial in warfare, as seen in 1 Kings 20:17, where Ben-hadad's scouts provide him with vital information about the Israelites. This is also echoed in Proverbs 24:6, which emphasizes the importance of guidance and wisdom in warfare.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate courage and faith in the face of overwhelming odds, like the young officers of the district governors?
- How can I apply the principle of being prepared and gathering information, like Ben-hadad's scouts, to my own spiritual warfare and daily life?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, like the Israelites did in this verse, and have confidence that He is working all things out for my good?
- What are some strategies that Satan uses to gather information and gain an advantage over me, and how can I counter them with the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:17
And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first,.... From Samaria, before the 7000 did: and Benhadad sent out; of his pavilion, a messenger or messengers to his sentinels, to know
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:17
And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:17
1 Kings 20:17 And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Benhadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria. Ver. 17. And the young men … went out first.] As a forlorn hope to set first on the enemy: or as that Sacra cohors in the Theban army.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:17
17. and Ben-hadad sent out] Even in his drunken revelry he is made aware that something unexpected is taking place, and he sends to know exactly what it is. The LXX. says ‘they send and announce to the king of Syria’, but this is hardly what would take place. When the messengers come back they tell the king that the besieged have taken a new course: ‘There are men come out of (R.V. from) Samaria;’ ‘They are not going to wait for our attack, but either come to attack us, or to make proposals for peace’.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:17
Ben-hadad sent out, and they told him - The Septuagint has a better reading: “they sent and told the king of Syria.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:17
17. The young men… went out first — That is, went out in front of the seven thousand, which followed, ready to pursue the flying Syrians. Compare 1 Kings 20:19-20.