And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him.

1 KINGS 13:26KJV
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1 Kings 13:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 13:26 mean?

1 Kings 13:26 explains that the prophet who had earlier convinced the "man of God" to disobey God's command recognizes that the man's death by a lion was a direct result of his disobedience to the word of the LORD. The verse makes clear that the tragic event happened just as God had warned.

In this verse, the older prophet is speaking after hearing about the death of the "man of God." The older prophet acknowledges that the man was punished for not following God's instruction, specifically using the word "disobedient" to describe his actions. This moment highlights the seriousness with which God's word (here, the Hebrew דָּבָר, davar, meaning "word" or "command") is to be taken, and it shows the prophet's recognition that God's warnings are not empty.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 13:26

  • The word "disobedient" (מָרָה, marah) is used here to describe the "man of God." This word often carries the sense of rebellion or stubborn refusal, emphasizing that the man's action was not a minor mistake but a clear act against God's instruction.
  • The phrase "word of the LORD" uses דָּבָר (davar) for "word" and יְהוָה (YHWH) for "LORD." This stresses that the command came directly from God, not just a general instruction.
  • "Delivered" (נָתַן, natan) means to hand over or give into someone's power. The verse says God actively allowed the lion to attack as a consequence, underlining divine control over the situation.
  • The word "lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh) is specific and concrete, showing that the danger and judgment were very real and not just symbolic.

Why 1 Kings 13:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even someone called a "man of God" is not exempt from the consequences of disobeying God's direct command, showing the impartiality of God's justice.
  • The verse connects back to the earlier warning given to the "man of God," reinforcing that God's words are trustworthy and will come to pass exactly as spoken.
  • It highlights the responsibility of those who claim to speak for God, as the older prophet recognizes his own role in the tragedy, even though the focus remains on the disobedience itself.

Where else these words appear

“disobedient” Hebrew H4784 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
  • 1 Kings 13:21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,
  • Isaiah 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

“lion” Hebrew H738 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 17:26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
  • Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

“torn” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: