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1 Kings 20:26

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1 Kings 20:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.

King James Version KJV

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So, a year later, Ben-hadad got the Aramaeans together and went up to Aphek to make war on Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

When spring came Ben-hadad called up the Aramean army and went to attack Israel at Aphek.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And after the yeere was gone about, Ben-hadad nombred the Aramites, and went vp to Aphek to fight against Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass at the turn of the year, that Ben-Hadad inspecteth the Aramaeans, and goeth up to Aphek, to battle with Israel,

World English Bible WEB

At the return of the year, Ben Hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Wherefore at the return of the year, Benadad mustered the Syrians, ancient up to Aphec, to fight against Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

In the spring of the following year, he gathered his soldiers and marched with them to Aphek city east of Galilee Lake, to fight against the Israeli army.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:26

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 20:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יְהִי֙ לִ/תְשׁוּבַ֣ת הַ/שָּׁנָ֔ה וַ/יִּפְקֹ֥ד בֶּן הֲדַ֖ד אֶת אֲרָ֑ם וַ/יַּ֣עַל אֲפֵ֔קָ/ה לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה עִם יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַֽ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/תְשׁוּבַ֣ת tᵉshûwbâh H8666 turn Prep | N-fs
הַ/שָּׁנָ֔ה shâneh H8141 year Art | N-fs
וַ/יִּפְקֹ֥ד pâqad H6485 to reckon Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֶּן Ben-Hădad H1130 Ben-hadad N-proper
הֲדַ֖ד Ben-Hădad H1130 Ben-hadad N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֲרָ֑ם ʼĂrâm H758 Aram N-proper
וַ/יַּ֣עַל ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲפֵ֔קָ/ה ʼĂphêq H663 Aphek N-proper | Suff
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs
עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
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 20:26

וַֽ/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.
לִ/תְשׁוּבַ֣ת tᵉshûwbâh H8666 "turn" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to turn or return, and is often used to describe a response or answer. In the Bible, it appears in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God calls his people to return to him.
Definition: 1) a recurrence, an answer, return 1a) return 1a1) completion of a year, return of a year 1b) at the return (construct) 1c) answer, reply
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: answer, be expired, return. See also: 1 Samuel 7:17; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Job 34:36.
הַ/שָּׁנָ֔ה shâneh H8141 "year" Art | N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וַ/יִּפְקֹ֥ד pâqad H6485 "to reckon" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
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.
הֲדַ֖ד 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.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲרָ֑ם ʼĂrâm H758 "Aram" N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
וַ/יַּ֣עַל ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אֲפֵ֔קָ/ה ʼĂphêq H663 "Aphek" N-proper | Suff
Aphek is the name of three different places in ancient Palestine, and its name means enclosure. These cities were important locations in biblical history and are mentioned in various accounts.
Definition: § Aphek or Aphik = "enclosure" a city in territory of Asher
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Aphek, Aphik. See also: Joshua 12:18; 1 Samuel 4:1; 2 Kings 13:17.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה 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.
עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 13:17 “Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.”
2 1 Kings 20:22 Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.”
3 1 Samuel 4:1 Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek.
4 1 Kings 20:30 The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room.
5 Judges 1:31 Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob.
6 Joshua 19:30 Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob. There were twenty-two cities, along with their villages.
7 Joshua 13:4 to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites;
8 1 Samuel 29:1 Now the Philistines brought all their forces together at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel.

1 Kings 20:26 Summary

[This verse tells us that Ben-hadad, the king of the Arameans, decided to attack Israel in the spring, likely because it was a time of renewal and he had access to more resources, as seen in 1 Kings 20:26. This shows us that our actions have consequences, and we should trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 21:31. We can learn from Ben-hadad's example to not rely solely on our own strength or strategies, but instead trust in God's power and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 20:7. By trusting in God, we can have confidence and peace, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as encouraged in Philippians 4:13.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ben-hadad decide to fight against Israel in the spring?

Ben-hadad likely chose to fight in the spring because it is a time of renewal and the armies would have had access to more resources and better weather conditions, as seen in 1 Kings 20:26, similar to the strategy of other biblical leaders like Nebuchadnezzar in Jeremiah 1:14.

What can we learn from Ben-hadad's actions in this verse?

We can learn that our actions have consequences and that we should trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 21:31, and not rely solely on our own strength or strategies, like Ben-hadad did in 1 Kings 20:26.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is a continuation of the story of Ben-hadad's conflict with Israel, and it sets the stage for the events that unfold in the following verses, including the prophecy in 1 Kings 20:28 and the subsequent battle.

What does this verse reveal about Ben-hadad's character?

This verse reveals that Ben-hadad is a determined and prideful leader who is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals, as seen in his decision to mobilize the Arameans and attack Israel, similar to the pride and arrogance of other biblical leaders like King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:16.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty in my own life, just as the Israelites did in this story?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of not relying solely on my own strength or strategies to my daily life, and instead trust in God's power and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 20:7?
  3. What are some areas of my life where I am trying to fight battles on my own, rather than trusting in God's power and guidance, like Ben-hadad did in 1 Kings 20:26?
  4. How can I use the example of Ben-hadad's pride and arrogance as a warning to guard against similar attitudes in my own heart, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:26

And it came to pass at the return of the year,.... In the spring, or autumn, as some think, [See comments on 2 Samuel 11:1] that Benhadad numbered the Syrians; took a muster of his army, to see if he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:26

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:26

Not that Aphek in Judah, of which ; but that in Asher, of which , nigh unto which was the great plain of Galilee. And this seems to be one of those cities which Ben-hadad’ s father had taken from Israel, . Here also the Syrians might retreat, if they should be worsted.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:26

1 Kings 20:26 And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.Ver. 26. And went up to Aphek.] Which was, saith Lyra, a strong city in Asher, taken from the Israelites by the Syrians, before which lay a great plain of the same name; famous for many great battles there fought. Benhadad chose to fight here, that if he were worsted, he might repair to it for refuge. But how reckless was Pompey, who, when to fight with Caesar, that great soldier and conqueror, never considered into what place he were best to retire if he lost the day, as indeed he did, and no wonder.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:26

(26) Aphek.—The name, signifying simply a “fortress,” as applied to several different places. There are two places which suit well enough with the Aphek of this passage and 2 Kings 13:17, as being a battlefield in the plain country between Israel and Syria. One is the Aphek of 1 Samuel 29:1, evidently in the plain of Esdraelon; the other a place on the road to Damascus, about six miles east of the Sea of Galilee.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:26

Verse 26. Ben-hadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek] There were several towns of this name; see the notes on Joshua 12:18. It is supposed that the town mentioned here was situated in Libanus, upon the river Adonis, between Heliopolis and Biblos.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:26

26. numbered] R.V. mustered, and so in the next verse. See above on 1 Kings 20:15. up to Aphek] There were several places of this name. One was at the foot of Lebanon, in the tribe of Asher (see Joshua 13:4; Joshua 19:30). Another was in the hill country on the east of the sea of Galilee. But as Ben-hadad’s policy was to fight in the plain, the Aphek here intended must be the city of that name which lay in the plain of Jezreel. On the fitness of this place for a large encampment cf. 1 Samuel 29:1.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:26

Aphek - There were several places of this name in Palestine (see the marginal reference).

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:26

26. Aphek — Many suppose this to have been at the modern Fik, a little to the east of the Sea of Galilee; but Keil observes: “This Aphek lies not only very high, but has also a very difficult

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