2 Chronicles 18:4
2 Chronicles 18:4 in Multiple Translations
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”
¶ And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire first, I pray thee, for the word of Jehovah.
Then Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Let us now get directions from the Lord.
Then Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “But first though, please find out what the Lord says.”
And Iehoshaphat sayde vnto the King of Israel, Aske counsel, I pray thee, at the worde of the Lord this day.
And Jehoshaphat saith unto the king of Israel, 'Seek, I pray thee, this day, the word of Jehovah.'
Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the LORD’s word.”
And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to-day.
And Josaphat said to the king of Israel: Inquire, I beseech thee, at present the word of the Lord.
Then he added, “But we should ask Yahweh first, to find out what he wants us to do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 18:4
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.
2 Chronicles 18:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
אֶל
מֶ֣לֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
דְּרָשׁ
נָ֥א
כַ/יּ֖וֹם
אֶת
דְּבַ֥ר
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
Jehoshaphat
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
דְּרָשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
כַ/יּ֖וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דְּבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
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 — 2 Chronicles 18:4
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
"Jehoshaphat"
N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
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.
דְּרָשׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
כַ/יּ֖וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
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.
דְּבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 18:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 18:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 18:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 18:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:4
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 18:4
Context — Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab
2And some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead.
3Ahab king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat replied, “I am as you are, and my people are your people; we will join you in the war.”
4But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”
5So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” 6But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 21:2 | “Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 5:19 | So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 2:1 | Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 23:4 | Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 5:23 | So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 23:2 | So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 23:9–12 | When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 34:26 | But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘As for the words that you heard, |
| 9 | 1 Kings 22:5–6 | But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” |
| 10 | Ezekiel 20:3 | “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. |
2 Chronicles 18:4 Summary
This verse shows us that Jehoshaphat wanted to make sure he was doing what God wanted him to do before going to war. He asked to inquire of the word of the Lord, which means he wanted to hear from God and know His will. This is an important lesson for us, as it reminds us to seek God's guidance in our lives, just like it says in Psalm 119:105, which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. By seeking God's will, we can ensure that we are aligning our actions with His plans and purposes, and living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jehoshaphat ask to inquire of the word of the Lord before going to war?
Jehoshaphat asked to inquire of the word of the Lord because he wanted to ensure that their actions were in line with God's will, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
What is the significance of seeking the word of the Lord in decision-making?
Seeking the word of the Lord is crucial in decision-making, as it allows us to align our actions with God's plans and purposes, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us.
How does this verse relate to the concept of seeking wisdom in James 1:5?
This verse relates to the concept of seeking wisdom in James 1:5, which instructs us to ask God for wisdom if we lack it, and He will give it to us generously, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life.
What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's example in this verse?
We can learn from Jehoshaphat's example the importance of prioritizing God's will and seeking His guidance, even in the face of pressure or temptation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which instructs us to do everything for the glory of God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek the word of the Lord before making a decision?
- How can I prioritize seeking God's will in my daily life, just like Jehoshaphat did in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can ensure that I am aligning my actions with God's plans and purposes, as Jehoshaphat sought to do?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking the word of the Lord in my relationships and decision-making processes?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 18:4
[See comments on 2 Chronicles 18:2].
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:4
2 Chronicles 18:4 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.Ver. 4. Inquire, I pray thee, of the Lord today.] Yea, but this should have been done before he had engaged to go. Good Jehoshaphat is oft taxed for being smart too late. Few consider that it is better to stop or step back than to run on out of the way.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:4
(4) And Jehoshaphat.—So exactly 1 Kings 22:5. Enquire . . . at the word.—Seek the word.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 18:4
4–27 (1 Kings 22:5-28). The Prophecy of Micaiah 4. Jehoshaphat] Cp. 2 Kings 3:11. Inquire … at the word] Cp. Daniel 2:10 (A.V.), “no king … asked such things at any magician.” The use of “at” after verbs of asking is obsolete.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 18:4
3-34. The rest of this chapter is parallel with 1 Kings 22:4-39, where see notes.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 18:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Practical Prayer by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of practical prayer in everyday life, illustrating how prayer can guide us in our daily affairs, provide wisdom, and bring healing. He high |
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James Chapter 8 Practical Prayer by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of practical prayer in everyday life, illustrating how prayer connects with wisdom, trials, joy, sickness, and intercession for others. He |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of David as depicted in 2 Samuel, highlighting his reign, victories, fall into sin, and family struggles. It emphasizes the importance of studying |
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Waiting for God's Time by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of waiting for God's timing, as illustrated by David's inquiry to the Lord before moving to Hebron. Epp explains that true communion with God |
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(2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the need for Christians to have a mature understanding of the spiritual battle they face. He uses the example of a young man in military tra |
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(Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the contrasting lives of Saul and David in the book of 1 Samuel. It highlights Saul's downfall due to disobedience, fear of people, lack of repentance, and |