1 Kings 22:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 22:13 mean?

1 Kings 22:13 describes a messenger urging Micaiah to match the favorable message already given to the king. The messenger presents agreement with the other prophets as the course Micaiah should take when he speaks.

The phrase “with one mouth” pictures the prophets speaking in unison, as though their many voices were one. The messenger meets Micaiah on the way to the king, giving him advice before he has spoken.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:13

• “mouth” — פֶּה (peh): This word refers to a mouth and can also stand for speech. Joined with “one,” it gives a vivid picture of the prophets presenting a single message.
• “good” — טוֹב (tov): This word can describe what is good or favorable. Here, the messenger uses it for the favorable message the king has heard and wants Micaiah to repeat.
• “word” — דָּבָר (davar): This word can mean a word or a message. The messenger asks Micaiah to make his whole message like that of one of the other prophets, not merely to use a particular expression.

Why 1 Kings 22:13 matters

• The messenger treats the prophets’ agreement as a reason for Micaiah to agree too. The request “let thy word … be like the word of one of them” makes their shared message the pattern for his answer.
• The king’s question concerns a proposed battle. Earlier, King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat have asked whether they should go against Ramoth-gilead (verse 6), so “good” refers to a favorable answer about that campaign.
• Micaiah’s immediate reply sets a different basis for his message. In verse 14, he says he will speak what the LORD tells him, placing that above the messenger’s request to match the other prophets.