1 Kings 20:34

1 Kings 20:34 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

King James Version KJV

And Ben-hadad said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then said Ahab, I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.

American Standard Version ASV

And Ben-hadad said unto him, The cities which my father took from thy father I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. And I, said Ahab, will let thee go with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and let him go.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Ben-hadad said to him, The towns my father took from your father I will give back; and you may make streets for yourself in Damascus as my father did in Samaria. And as for me, at the price of this agreement you will let me go. So he made an agreement with him and let him go.

Free Bible Version FBV

Ben-hadad said to him, “I will return the towns my father took from your father, and you can organize your own places for trade in Damascus, like my father did in Samaria.” “By making this agreement I set you free,” Ahab replied. He made a treaty with Ben-hadad and let him go.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ben-hadad sayd vnto him, The cities, which my father tooke from thy father, I wil restore, and thou shalt make streetes for thee in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. Then said Ahab, I will let thee goe with this couenant. So he made a couenant with him, and let him goe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith unto him, 'The cities that my father took from thy father, I give back, and streets thou dost make for thee in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria;' — 'and I, with a covenant, send thee away;' and he maketh with him a covenant, and sendeth him away.

World English Bible WEB

Ben Hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore. You shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.” “I”, said Ahab, “will let you go with this covenant.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Ben-hadad said to him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then said Ahab , I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said to him: The cities which my father took from thy father, I will restore: and do thou make thee streets in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria, and having made a league I will depart from thee. So he made a league with him, and let him go.

Translation for Translators T4T

Ben-Hadad said to him, “I will give back to you the towns that my father’s army took from your father. And I will allow you to set up market areas for your merchants in Damascus my capital, just as my father did in Samaria your capital.” Ahab replied, “Because you agree to do that, I will not execute you.” So Ahab made an agreement with Ben-Hadad, and allowed him to go home.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:34

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 20:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֡י/ו הֶ/עָרִ֣ים אֲשֶׁר לָֽקַח אָבִ/י֩ מֵ/אֵ֨ת אָבִ֜י/ךָ אָשִׁ֗יב וְ֠/חוּצוֹת תָּשִׂ֨ים לְ/ךָ֤ בְ/דַמֶּ֨שֶׂק֙ כַּ/אֲשֶׁר שָׂ֤ם אָבִ/י֙ בְּ/שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן וַ/אֲנִ֖י בַּ/בְּרִ֣ית אֲשַׁלְּחֶ֑/ךָּ וַ/יִּכְרָת ל֥/וֹ בְרִ֖ית וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵֽ/הוּ

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

אֵלָ֡י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

הֶ/עָרִ֣ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לָֽקַח lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אָבִ/י֩ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

מֵ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep

אָבִ֜י/ךָ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

אָשִׁ֗יב shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

וְ֠/חוּצוֹת chûwts H2351 outside Conj | N-mp

תָּשִׂ֨ים sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

לְ/ךָ֤ Prep | Suff

בְ/דַמֶּ֨שֶׂק֙ Dammeseq H1834 Damascus Prep | N-proper

כַּ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

שָׂ֤ם sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אָבִ/י֙ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

בְּ/שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 Samaria Prep | N-proper

וַ/אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

בַּ/בְּרִ֣ית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant Prep | N-fs

אֲשַׁלְּחֶ֑/ךָּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

וַ/יִּכְרָת kârath H3772 to cut Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל֥/וֹ Prep | Suff

בְרִ֖ית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs

וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵֽ/הוּ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:34

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.

אֵלָ֡י/ו 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.

הֶ/עָרִ֣ים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fp

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לָֽקַח lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

אָבִ/י֩ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

מֵ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep

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.

אָבִ֜י/ךָ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

אָשִׁ֗יב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

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.

וְ֠/חוּצוֹת chûwts H2351 "outside" Conj | N-mp

This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.

Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.

תָּשִׂ֨ים sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

לְ/ךָ֤ "" Prep | Suff

בְ/דַמֶּ֨שֶׂק֙ Dammeseq H1834 "Damascus" Prep | N-proper

Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is mentioned in the Bible as an important trading center. It is located northeast of Jerusalem and is referenced in several biblical stories.

Definition: § Damascus = "silent is the sackcloth weaver" an ancient trading city, capital of Syria, located in the plain east of Hermon, 130 (205 km) miles northeast of Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Damascus. See also: Genesis 14:15; 2 Chronicles 28:5; Isaiah 7:8.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

שָׂ֤ם sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אָבִ/י֙ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

בְּ/שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן 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.

וַ/אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | 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.

בַּ/בְּרִ֣ית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" Prep | N-fs

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

אֲשַׁלְּחֶ֑/ךָּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

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.

וַ/יִּכְרָת kârath H3772 "to cut" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

ל֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

בְרִ֖ית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵֽ/הוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

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.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:34

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Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:34
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:34
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:34
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:34

Context — Ahab Spares Ben-hadad

32So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” 33Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot.

34Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

35Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him. 36Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 15:20	And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth.
2	Isaiah 26:10	Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness. In the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD.
3	1 Kings 20:42	And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’”
4	Isaiah 8:12	“Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread.
5	2 Chronicles 16:4	And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.
6	2 Chronicles 18:30	Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”
7	1 Kings 22:31	Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”

1 Kings 20:34 Summary

In 1 Kings 20:34, Ahab and Ben-hadad make a peace treaty, where Ben-hadad agrees to return cities to Israel and allow Israel to trade in Damascus. This treaty shows that even in the midst of conflict, there can be moments of kindness and compassion, as seen in the command to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44. However, it also raises questions about Ahab's trust in God's power to protect Israel, as described in Psalm 20:7-8. As we reflect on this verse, we can consider how we balance our relationships with others with our relationship with God, and how we can demonstrate mercy and compassion in our own lives, as encouraged in Colossians 3:12-14.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the treaty between Ahab and Ben-hadad in 1 Kings 20:34?

The treaty between Ahab and Ben-hadad signifies a temporary peace agreement between Israel and Syria, where Ben-hadad agrees to return cities taken by his father and allow Israel to establish marketplaces in Damascus, as seen in 1 Kings 20:34, similar to the trade agreements described in 2 Chronicles 2:12-16.

Why did Ahab release Ben-hadad after he had been defeated in battle?

Ahab released Ben-hadad because he considered him a brother, as stated in 1 Kings 20:32-33, demonstrating a moment of mercy and compassion, reminiscent of the command to love one's neighbors in Leviticus 19:18.

What are the implications of Ahab's decision to make a treaty with Ben-hadad?

Ahab's decision to make a treaty with Ben-hadad has implications for Israel's relationship with Syria, as seen in 1 Kings 20:34, and may be viewed as a lack of trust in God's power to protect Israel, as described in Psalm 20:7-8.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in 1 Kings?

This verse highlights the tension between human attempts at diplomacy and God's ultimate sovereignty, as seen in 1 Kings 20:34, and is reminiscent of the prophetic warnings in Deuteronomy 28:25 and 1 Samuel 8:18.

Reflection Questions

What are the motivations behind Ahab's decision to release Ben-hadad, and what does this reveal about his character?
How does the concept of brotherhood, as mentioned in 1 Kings 20:32-33, influence Ahab's actions in this verse?
In what ways can we, like Ahab, be tempted to prioritize human relationships over our relationship with God, and what are the consequences of such actions?
What role does mercy and compassion play in this verse, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives, as seen in Micah 6:8?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:34

And [Benhadad] said unto him,.... The word Benhadad is not in the original text, and some, as Osiander and others, have thought they are the words of Ahab last spoken of; which seems most likely, who

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:34

And Ben-ha'dad said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:34

The cities which my father took from thy father; either, 1. From Baasha, , whom he calls Ahab’ s father, because he was his legal father, i.e. his predecessor. Or, 2. From Omri; in whose time, it seems, he made a successful invasion into the land of Israel, and took some more of the cities, and Aphek amongst the rest, though it be not elsewhere recorded in Scripture. Thou shalt make streets, or markets, &c., places where thou mayest either receive the tribute which I promise to pay thee, or exercise judicature upon my subjects in case of their refusal; or outlets (as the LXX. render it) in or into Damascus, i.e. some strong fort near Damascus, which might curb the kings of Damascus, and keep them from attempting any other invasion into the land of Israel. With this covenant: he takes no notice of his blasphemy against God, nor of the vast injuries which his people had suffered from him; but only minds his own grandeur, and the advancement of his power.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:34

1 Kings 20:34 And [Benhadad] said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then [said Ahab], I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.Ver. 34. The cities which my father took from thy father.] That is, From thy predecessor Baasha. I will restore.] Which yet he did not; witness Ramothgilead. And thou shalt make streets for thee.] Fora rerum venalium constitues tibi, ex quibus vectigalia accipies quasi nundinas; markets out of which thou shalt have the toll and other dues. I will send thee away.] This was too great facility; such as afterwards cost him his life. And sent him away.] This preservation of Benhadad was but a reservation; for he was afterward murdered by cruel Hazael.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:34

(34) Make streets—properly, squares, or quarters of a city. This concession implies a virtual acknowledgment of supremacy; for the right to have certain quarters for residence, for trade, perhaps even for garrison, in the capital of a king, belongs only to one who has sovereignty over him. Hence it goes beyond the significance of the restoration of the cities—conquered, it would seem, from Omri, unless, indeed, taking “father” in the sense of predecessor, the reference is to the Syrian victories in the days of Baasha. (See 1 Kings 15:20.) The narrative seems to convey an idea that the covenant was made hastily, on insufficient security. The great point, however, was that a war, victoriously conducted under prophetic guidance, should not have been concluded without prophetic sanction.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:34

Verse 34. Thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus] It appears that it was customary for foreigners to have a place assigned to them, particularly in maritime towns, where they might deposit and vend their merchandise. This was the very origin of European settlements in Asiatic countries: "The people gave an inch to those strangers; and in consequence they took an ell." Under the pretense of strengthening the place where they kept their wares, to prevent depredations, they built forts, and soon gave laws to their entertainers. In vain did the natives wish them away; they had got power, and would retain it; and at last subjected these countries to their own dominion. It was customary also, in the time of the crusades, to give those nations which were engaged in them streets, churches, and post dues, in those places which they assisted to conquer. The Genoese and Venetians had each a street in Accon, or St. Jean d'Acre, in which they had their own jurisdiction; with oven, mill, bagnio, weights, and measures. - See William of Tyre, and Harmer's Observations. He made a covenant with him] According to the words recited above, putting him under no kind of disabilities whatsoever.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:34

34. This verse is very singular from the omission of the names of both the speakers. It is clear enough from the sense, to whom each clause must be assigned, but the omissions are so unusual that one can hardly help suspecting some error in the text. The LXX. joins the two clauses as though they were spoken by the same person. make streets for thee in Damascus] This must signify that a portion of Damascus should be set apart as belonging to Israel, and that dwellings might be erected there for the use of such Israelites as should have need to go thither. That such a privileged quarter in a foreign city might be of great use for purposes of commerce we can readily imagine, and more so in those days and lands of caravans than in the western world. Probably ‘Lombard Street’ in London was originally a privileged part of the city, where the wealthy Lombard merchants established themselves. Then, said Ahab, I will send thee away] R.V., And I, said Ahab, will let thee go. The verb is rendered ‘to let go’ in the application made by the son of the prophets in 1 Kings 20:42. It is better therefore to translate it in the same way here, and in the following clause of this verse ‘and let him go’. with this covenant] The agreement, namely, for the restoration of the taken cities, and for the privilege of occupying part of Damascus with houses for Israelites. The language sets before us the easy way in which Ahab allowed the advantages of the victory to slip from his grasp. It seems too that Ben-hadad did not fulfil all his part of the covenant (see 1 Kings 22:3), and this may have been in consequence of the behaviour of Ahab, which would make the compact appear of little moment.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:34

Ben-hadad, secure of his life, suggests terms of peace as the price of his freedom.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:34

34. The cities — See at 1 Kings 15:20. Streets for thee in Damascus — Whole streets and houses to be known and honoured as the Israelitish quarter, and something like the bazaars of modern Oriental cities.

Sermons on 1 Kings 20:34

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	Faith" and "The Faith" by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches about the significance of faith from the days of Abel to the present, emphasizing that true faith was delivered to the saints through Christ. He urges believers
	(Genesis) - Part 5 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of chaos in the Bible, specifically in Genesis 1. He emphasizes that despite the chaos, God can make something excellent out of i
	(Matthew) ch.27:32-28:20 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the depth and meaning of the commission mentioned in Mark 16:15-16. While the emphasis is often placed on eva
	Learning to Fear God (Kannada) by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness among Christians, comparing it to a parent's concern for their sick or failing children. It highlights the need for believers to s
	When We Fear God, We Have No Other Fears by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing God above all else, highlighting how when God is our fear and dread, we do not need to fear what the world fears. It discusses faci
	The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 1 by William Gurnall	William Gurnall preaches about the importance of strengthening one's faith in the almighty power of God. He emphasizes the need for Christians to rely on God's strength in times of