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2 Chronicles 18:20

2 Chronicles 18:20 in Multiple Translations

Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD.

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?

And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him. And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith?

Then a spirit came forward and took his place before the Lord and said, I will get him to do it by a trick. And the Lord said to him, How?

Finally a spirit came and approached the Lord and said, ‘I will trick him.’ ‘How are you going to do that?’ the Lord asked.

Then there came forth a spirit and stoode before the Lord, and said, I will perswade him. And the Lord said vnto him, Wherein?

And go out doth the spirit, and stand before Jehovah, and saith, I do entice him; and Jehovah saith unto him, With what?

A spirit came out, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ “The LORD said to him, ‘How?’

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said to him, With what?

There came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said: I will deceive him. And the Lord said to him: By what means wilt thou deceive him?

“Finally one spirit, having received a message from Satan, came to Yahweh and said, ‘I can do it!’ “Yahweh asked him, ‘How will you do it?’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 18:20

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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.

2 Chronicles 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א הָ/ר֗וּחַ וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙ לִ/פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר אֲנִ֣י אֲפַתֶּ֑/נּוּ וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר יְהוָ֛ה אֵלָ֖י/ו בַּ/מָּֽה
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/ר֗וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit Art | N-cs
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
אֲפַתֶּ֑/נּוּ pâthâh H6601 to open wide V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
בַּ/מָּֽה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 18:20

וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הָ/ר֗וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" Art | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר 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.
אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֲפַתֶּ֑/נּוּ pâthâh H6601 "to open wide" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר 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.
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלָ֖י/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.
בַּ/מָּֽה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 18:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 1:6 One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.
2 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
3 2 Corinthians 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
4 Job 2:1 On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him.

2 Chronicles 18:20 Summary

In 2 Chronicles 18:20, a spirit offers to entice King Ahab, and the LORD asks how it plans to do so. This shows that God is aware of the plans of evil spirits and allows them to carry out their plans, as part of His sovereign will (as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Romans 9:17). However, this does not mean that God is promoting evil, but rather that He is in control of all things, including the actions of evil spirits. We can learn from this verse to be aware of the influence of demonic spirits in our lives and to seek wise and godly counsel, as opposed to following false or misleading guidance (as warned against in 1 Timothy 4:1 and 1 Peter 5:8).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the spirit coming forward in 2 Chronicles 18:20?

The spirit coming forward in 2 Chronicles 18:20 represents a demonic entity that offers to entice King Ahab, as seen in the context of 2 Chronicles 18:18-22, and is reminiscent of the demonic influence described in Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Peter 5:8.

Why does the LORD ask the spirit 'By what means?' in 2 Chronicles 18:20?

The LORD asks the spirit 'By what means?' to understand the spirit's plan for enticing King Ahab, which is later revealed to be through lying spirits in the mouths of Ahab's prophets, as seen in 2 Chronicles 18:21-22 and supported by the concept of spiritual deception in 1 Timothy 4:1.

Is the LORD promoting evil by asking the spirit 'By what means?' in 2 Chronicles 18:20?

No, the LORD is not promoting evil, but rather allowing the spirit to reveal its plan, as part of His sovereign will, which is also seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Romans 9:17, where God's sovereignty is demonstrated through His control over all things, including the actions of evil spirits.

What does this verse reveal about the nature of God's sovereignty and human free will?

This verse, 2 Chronicles 18:20, reveals that God's sovereignty and human free will are intertwined, as God allows the spirit to entice King Ahab, while also holding Ahab responsible for his actions, as seen in the broader context of 2 Chronicles 18 and supported by the teachings of Proverbs 21:1 and Jeremiah 10:23.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I discern the influence of demonic spirits in my own life, and what does 2 Chronicles 18:20 teach me about this?
  2. What are the ways in which I am tempted to follow false or misleading guidance, and how can I apply the lesson of 2 Chronicles 18:20 to my situation?
  3. In what ways do I see the interplay between God's sovereignty and human free will in my own life, and how does 2 Chronicles 18:20 inform my understanding of this relationship?
  4. How can I protect myself from the influence of lying spirits, as described in 2 Chronicles 18:21-22, and what role does 2 Chronicles 18:20 play in this protection?
  5. What does this verse, 2 Chronicles 18:20, teach me about the importance of seeking wise and godly counsel, as opposed to following false or misleading guidance?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 18:20

[See comments on 2 Chronicles 18:2].

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:20

2 Chronicles 18:20 Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?Ver. 20. And there came out a spirit.] The Rabbis fable that this was Naboth’ s ghost, who to be revenged on Ahab, thus offereth his service. In times of Popery, devils came saying that they were the souls of such and such dead persons; and desired to be set free from the pains of purgatory, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:20

(20) Then there came out a spirit.—Rather, And the spirit came forth. LXX., καὶἐξῆλθεντὸπνεῦμα.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:20

Verse 20. Then there came out a spirit] The Targum gives a strange gloss here: "Then the spirit of Naboth of Jezreel came out from the abode of the righteous, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will deceive him. And the Lord said, By what means? To which he answered, I will be a spirit of false prophecy in the mouth of his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou mayest then. But although the power of deceiving them is given unto thee, nevertheless it will not be lawful for thee to sit among the righteous; for whosoever shall speak falsely cannot have a mansion among the righteous. Therefore go forth from me, and do as thou hast said." - Targum.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 18:20

20. Then there came out] R.V. And there came forth. a spirit] Heb. the spirit, but the definite art. simply singles out one spirit from the rest. The Evil Spirit (Heb. “the Satan”) is not meant here.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:20

3-34. The rest of this chapter is parallel with 1 Kings 22:4-39, where see notes.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 18:20

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Job by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. He highlights the various trials and tribulations that Job faced, including the loss of his possessions, the
Dwight Pentecost Satan the Arch Rebel by Dwight Pentecost In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Job and how Satan tempted him to renounce God. The preacher highlights how Satan used Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, t
Chuck Smith David's Desire to Seek the Lord by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses David's desire to seek the Lord in 2 Samuel chapter 24. David takes responsibility for the suffering of the people and acknowledges his
Brian Brodersen The God of This Age by Brian Brodersen In this sermon, the preacher discusses two instances of natural disasters in the Bible that were influenced by Satan. The first example is from the book of Job, where a great wind
Scott Moreau Three Battlefronts: The Devil by Scott Moreau In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living our lives in a way that glorifies God and reflects His image. He explains that Christians who manifest God's image mo
W.F. Anderson Distress of Job - Part 1 by W.F. Anderson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the limited knowledge and understanding that humans have in the grand scheme of God's sovereignty. He uses the analogy of actors on a stage, e
Ed Miller The Theme of Job by Ed Miller In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and highlights the scene in heaven where Satan appears before God. He suggests that Job was the battlefield in a spiritual w

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