1 Kings 20:18
1 Kings 20:18 in Multiple Translations
“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.”
And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.
And he said, Whether they are come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they are come out for war, take them alive.
And he said, If they have come out for peace, take them living, and if they have come out for war, take them living.
“If they're coming in peace, take them alive,” he ordered. “If they're coming to attack, take them alive.”
And he sayde, Whether they be come out for peace, take them aliue: or whether they bee come out to fight, take them yet aliue.
And he saith, 'If for peace they have come out — catch them alive; and if for battle they have come out — alive catch them.'
He said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”
And he said, Whether they have come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they have come out for war, take them alive.
And he said: Whether they come for peace, take them alive: or whether they come to fight, take them alive.
He said, “It does not matter whether they are coming to fight against us or to ask for peace. Capture them, but do not kill them
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:18
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 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר
אִם
לְ/שָׁל֥וֹם
יָצָ֖אוּ
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ/ם
חַיִּ֑ים
וְ/אִ֧ם
לְ/מִלְחָמָ֛ה
יָצָ֖אוּ
חַיִּ֥ים
תִּפְשֽׂוּ/ם
וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לְ/שָׁל֥וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
יָצָ֖אוּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
to capture
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וְ/אִ֧ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לְ/מִלְחָמָ֛ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
יָצָ֖אוּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חַיִּ֥ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
תִּפְשֽׂוּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
to capture
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:18
וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לְ/שָׁל֥וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
יָצָ֖אוּ
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.
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/אִ֧ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לְ/מִלְחָמָ֛ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
יָצָ֖אוּ
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.
חַיִּ֥ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
תִּפְשֽׂוּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:18
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:18
Context — Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
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, 20and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 14:8–12 | Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” But Amaziah would not listen, and Jehoash king of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his home. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 14:11–12 | So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:12 | Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 2:3–4 | Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 17:44 | “Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” |
1 Kings 20:18 Summary
In this verse, Ben-hadad is giving orders to his army to take the Israelites alive, whether they come in peace or in war. This shows that Ben-hadad is confident in his own strength and power, but he is also being foolish and arrogant, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. We can learn from Ben-hadad's mistake by seeking to trust in God's power and protection, rather than our own, as seen in Psalm 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:7. By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of pride and arrogance, and instead find true strength and security in our relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ben-hadad give the order to take the Israelites alive, regardless of their intentions?
Ben-hadad may have been trying to show his strength and power by taking prisoners, rather than simply killing them, as seen in 1 Kings 20:18, and this could be a reflection of his pride and arrogance, similar to the pride of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:30-31.
Is it significant that Ben-hadad was drunk when he gave this order?
Yes, it is significant, as it shows Ben-hadad's lack of self-control and poor judgment, which is a common theme in the Bible, such as in Proverbs 20:1 and Ephesians 5:18, where drunkenness is condemned as a sin.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Kings 20?
This verse is a turning point in the story, as it shows Ben-hadad's overconfidence and lack of preparedness for battle, which ultimately leads to his defeat, as seen in 1 Kings 20:20-21, and it highlights the power and protection of God for the Israelites, as seen in Psalm 37:39-40.
What can we learn from Ben-hadad's mistake in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and seeking God's guidance, rather than relying on our own strength and power, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 9:23-24, and we should be careful not to let pride and arrogance lead us into foolish decisions, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own strength and power, rather than seeking God's guidance?
- How can I cultivate humility and recognize my dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 131:1-3?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and protection, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 8:28?
- How can I avoid the trap of pride and arrogance, and instead seek to glorify God in all that I do, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:18
And he said, whether they be come out for peace,.... To propose terms of peace: take them alive; make them prisoners, which was contrary to the laws of nations: or whether they be come out for war,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:18
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
He bids them not fight; for he thought they needed not to strike one stroke, and that the Israelites could not stand the first brunt.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
1 Kings 20:18 And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.Ver. 18. Take them alive.] He bore himself so bold upon his great strength, that he thought there was no more to do but to take them alive. He considered not that they were Deo armati; and that himself was held fast "in the snare of the devil, being taken alive by him at his will," as a beast is taken in a toil. εζωγρημενοι.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
Verse 18. Take them alive.] He was confident of victory. Do not slay them; bring them to me, they may give us some useful information.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:18
18. take them alive] Whatever their mission might be Ben-hadad had no doubt that his followers could surround them and capture them without fighting. They could have no difficulty in overpowering so insignificant a force. Why he wished for the capture rather than the slaughter of the Israelites is not so evident. It might be only with a view of making it clear that there was no need to cut off any troops sent against them; by mere force of numbers they could overpower them and make them prisoners.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:18
18. Take them alive — In the folly of his drunken insolence he was confident of victory, not dreaming of any power greater than his own.
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Folly of Meddling by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian leads the congregation in reading various verses from Proverbs 20. The verses touch on topics such as the dangers of wine and strong drink, the importa |
|
Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown by Micheal L. Brown | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the ne |
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Practicing Honour by Thaddeus Barnum | Thaddeus Barnum emphasizes the significance of practicing honor in our lives, urging the congregation to pray for the character of honor to be built within them. He discusses how h |
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Words to Live by (Prov + John 12) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of allowing God to work in each individual's heart, recognizing that people may respond differently to His presence—some rejoicing while ot |
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If My People Humble Themselves by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need for humility in the Christian life, warning that pride is deceptive and can lead to personal and relational destruction. He reflects on h |
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Before Destruction the Heart of Man Is Haughty by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the dangers of pride and haughtiness, warning that a proud heart often precedes destruction. He illustrates this with biblical examples, such as King David |
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From the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus to the Banishment of Archelaus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous final days of King Herod, who, afflicted with a severe and painful illness as a divine judgment for his sins, becomes increasingly tyrannic |