1 Kings 13:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 13:7 mean?

1 Kings 13:7 describes how the king invited the man of God to come home with him, offering him food, rest, and a reward. The king wanted to show hospitality and perhaps gratitude or favor toward the man of God after witnessing his actions.

In this verse, King Jeroboam is speaking to a prophet who had just performed a miraculous sign at the altar. The king, impressed or wanting to honor the prophet, asks him to return to his house to "refresh" himself—meaning to eat, drink, and rest—and promises to give him a reward. This invitation sets up a key moment in the story, as the prophet must decide how to respond to the king’s offer.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 13:7

• The word for "refresh" is סָעַד (sa'ad), which often means to support, sustain, or provide food and rest. Here, it highlights the king's offer of hospitality and care, not just a casual meal.
• The word for "reward" is מַתְּנָה (mattenah), which means a gift or present. This shows the king’s intention to give something tangible, possibly as a sign of gratitude or to win favor with the prophet.

Why 1 Kings 13:7 matters

• This verse shows the king’s attempt to respond positively to a prophet who had just rebuked him, revealing a mix of respect, diplomacy, or perhaps an attempt to sway the prophet.
• The invitation and offer of a reward set up an important test for the man of God, as the surrounding story focuses on whether he will obey God’s instructions or be influenced by the king’s generosity.
• Understanding this moment helps clarify the tension between following God’s command and accepting the hospitality or gifts of powerful people, a theme that runs through the rest of the chapter.