And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.

2 CHRONICLES 18:21KJV
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2 Chronicles 18:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 18:21 mean?

2 Chronicles 18:21 describes a spirit volunteering to become a "lying spirit" in the mouths of King Ahab’s prophets, with God permitting this spirit to go and succeed in deceiving Ahab. The verse shows God allowing deception as part of His judgment on Ahab, who has chosen to listen to false prophets.

In the story, the prophet Micaiah is explaining a vision to King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat. Micaiah describes a heavenly scene where God asks who will entice Ahab to go into battle so he will fall. A spirit offers to do this by influencing Ahab’s prophets to speak lies, and God gives permission. This sets the stage for Ahab’s downfall, showing the seriousness of ignoring true prophecy.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 18:21

  • "lying" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means falsehood or deception. Its use here highlights that the spirit’s influence is not just error but intentional deceit.
  • "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This term can mean wind, breath, or spirit. In this context, it refers to a supernatural being or influence, not just a general feeling or mood.
  • "entice" (פָּתָה, pathah): This word means to persuade, seduce, or deceive. It emphasizes that Ahab is being deliberately led astray, not just making a mistake.
  • "prevail" (יָכֹל, yakol): This means to be able, to succeed, or to overcome. God says the spirit will succeed in its mission, showing that the deception will be effective.

Why 2 Chronicles 18:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the prophets speaking to Ahab were not just mistaken but were under a supernatural influence allowed by God, making their messages intentionally deceptive.
  • It shows that God’s judgment can sometimes involve letting people believe what they want to hear, especially when they have already rejected the truth.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by explaining why Ahab’s prophets all gave the same false message, setting up the contrast between true and false prophecy in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“entice” Hebrew H6601 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 9:27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
  • 1 Kings 22:22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
  • Proverbs 16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

“lying” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.