The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.

1 KINGS 13:5KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 13:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 13:5 mean?

1 Kings 13:5 describes how the altar broke apart and its ashes spilled out, just as the man of God had said would happen as a sign from the LORD. This event confirmed that the message delivered by the man of God was truly from God.

In this scene, a prophet from Judah confronts King Jeroboam at Bethel, where an unauthorized altar had been built. The prophet announces a sign to prove his words: the altar will split and its ashes will pour out. When this happens exactly as predicted, it serves as a visible demonstration that the prophet’s warning is genuine and that God’s authority is behind his message.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 13:5

  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This word refers to the structure used for sacrifices. Its mention twice in the verse highlights the focus on the place of worship that God is judging.
  • "rent" (קָרַע, qara‘): This verb means "to tear" or "to split." The altar being "rent" shows a dramatic, physical sign, not just a minor crack, but a significant break as a public sign.
  • "sign" (מוֹפֵת, mopheth): This word means a wonder or miraculous sign. It emphasizes that what happened was not a coincidence or natural occurrence, but a deliberate act meant to prove a point.

Why 1 Kings 13:5 matters

  • 1 Kings 13:5 clarifies that the prophet’s words were not empty threats; the immediate fulfillment of the sign validated his message and authority.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of unauthorized worship and the consequences of disregarding God’s instructions for worship in Israel.
  • This event sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, showing that God’s word has real power and that signs can serve as confirmation of true prophecy.

Where else these words appear

“ashes” Hebrew H1880 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 1:16 And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:
  • Judges 9:9 But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
  • Psalms 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

“sign” Hebrew H4159 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 4:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
  • Deuteronomy 28:46 And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.
  • Psalms 105:27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

“rent” Hebrew H7167 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
  • 1 Kings 11:11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

“out” Hebrew H8210 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
  • Psalms 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
  • Ezekiel 16:36 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;