1 Kings 11:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:22 mean?

1 Kings 11:22 shows Pharaoh questioning Hadad about why he wants to leave Egypt, asking if Hadad has lacked anything while staying there. Hadad replies that he has lacked nothing, but insists that he still wants to return to his own country.

Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is speaking to Hadad the Edomite, who had been living in Egypt as a guest after fleeing from Israel. Pharaoh’s question suggests he has treated Hadad well and is surprised by Hadad’s desire to leave. Hadad’s answer shows gratitude but also a strong longing to return home, even though he has been well cared for in Egypt.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:22

• לָקַט (ḥāsar, transliterated as "lacked"): This word means "to lack" or "to be without." Pharaoh uses it to ask if Hadad has been missing anything during his stay, highlighting the completeness of Pharaoh’s hospitality.
• בָּקַשׁ (bāqash, "seekest"): This word means "to seek" or "to desire." Pharaoh is probing Hadad’s motivation, wondering what he is seeking by wanting to leave.
• שָׁלַח (shālaḥ, "go" and "wise"): This word appears twice in the verse, both for "let me go" and "in any wise." It often means "to send" or "to let go," and here it emphasizes Hadad’s insistence on being allowed to depart, regardless of his good treatment.

Why 1 Kings 11:22 matters

• The verse clarifies that Hadad’s desire to leave Egypt is not due to mistreatment or lack, but a personal longing to return home, which adds depth to his character and motivations.
• Pharaoh’s question and Hadad’s answer highlight the good relationship between them, showing that Hadad’s decision is not a rejection of Pharaoh’s kindness.
• This exchange sets up the narrative tension in the wider passage, as Hadad’s return to his homeland will have political and historical consequences for Israel later in the chapter.