And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

1 KINGS 20:22KJV
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1 Kings 20:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 20:22 mean?

1 Kings 20:22 describes a prophet warning the king of Israel to prepare and strengthen himself, because the king of Syria will attack again at the turn of the year. The prophet tells the king to pay attention to his actions and be ready for another conflict.

In this verse, a prophet comes to the king of Israel after a battle and gives him advice about the future. The situation is tense: Israel has just survived an attack from Syria, but the prophet makes it clear that the threat is not over. The king is urged to use the time wisely, strengthening his position and staying alert, because another attack is certain.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 20:22

  • "Strengthen" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to make oneself strong or to become firm. The prophet is urging the king not just to recover, but to actively build up his defenses and resources.
  • "Mark" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word is often translated as "know" or "consider." Here, it suggests careful observation and understanding—being watchful and thoughtful about what needs to be done.
  • "Return" (תְּשׁוּבָה, teshubah): This word refers to the cycle or turning of the year, pointing to a specific time when the enemy will come back. It highlights that the warning is about a real, timed threat, not just a general danger.

Why 1 Kings 20:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the victory Israel just experienced was not final; the prophet’s warning shows that challenges often come in cycles and require ongoing vigilance.
  • The emphasis on strengthening and careful attention reveals that preparation and wisdom are as important as courage in facing repeated threats.
  • In the wider story, this moment sets up the next confrontation with Syria, showing that the prophet’s guidance is both practical and prophetic, not just spiritual advice but real-world strategy.

Where else these words appear

“return” Hebrew H8666 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 7:17 And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 20:26 And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:10 And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.

“came” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.

“Syria” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.