Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” New Living Translation For the LORD gave me this command: ‘You must not eat or drink anything while you are there, and do not return to Judah by the same way you came.’” English Standard Version for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’” Berean Standard Bible For I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” Berean Literal Bible For I have been told by the word of YHWH, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink there water, nor return by going the way that you came in.’” King James Bible For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. New King James Version For I have been told by the word of the LORD, ‘You shall not eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by going the way you came.’ ” New American Standard Bible For a command came to me by the word of the LORD: ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water there; do not return by going the way that you came.’” NASB 1995 “For a command came to me by the word of the LORD, ‘You shall eat no bread, nor drink water there; do not return by going the way which you came.’” NASB 1977 “For a command came to me by the word of the LORD, ‘You shall eat no bread, nor drink water there; do not return by going the way which you came.’” Legacy Standard Bible For a word came to me by the word of Yahweh, ‘You shall eat no bread, nor drink water there; do not return by going the way which you came.’” Amplified Bible For I was told by the word of the LORD, ‘You shall not eat bread nor drink water there, nor shall you return by going the way that you came.’” Berean Annotated Bible For I have been told by the word of the LORD {YHWH}: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came. Christian Standard Bible For a message came to me by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat food or drink water there or go back by the way you came.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible for a message came to me by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or go back by the way you came.’” American Standard Version for it was said to me by the word of Jehovah, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. Contemporary English Version The LORD warned me not to eat or drink or to go home the same way I came." English Revised Version for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. GOD'S WORD® Translation When the LORD spoke to me, he told me not to eat or drink there or go back on the road I took to get there." Good News Translation because the LORD has commanded me not to eat or drink a thing, and not to return home the same way I came." International Standard Version because I've been given a command in the form of this message from the LORD: 'You are to eat no food, drink no water, and do not return to Judah by traveling the way by which you go there.'" NET Bible For the LORD gave me strict orders, 'Do not eat or drink there; do not go back the way you came.'" New Heart English Bible For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, 'You shall eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that you came.'" Webster's Bible Translation For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” World English Bible For it was said to me by Yahweh’s word, ‘You shall eat no bread or drink water there, and don’t turn again to go by the way that you came.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor [there is] a word to me by the word of YHWH, You do not eat bread nor drink water there [and] you do not return to go in the way in which you came.” Berean Literal Bible For I have been told by the word of YHWH, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink there water, nor return by going the way that you came in.’” Young's Literal Translation for a word is unto me by the word of Jehovah, Thou dost not eat bread nor drink there water, thou dost not turn back to go in the way in which thou camest.' Smith's Literal Translation For it was spoken to me by the word of Jehovah, Thou shalt not eat bread and thou shalt not drink water there, thou shalt not turn back to go in the way which thou wentest in it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBecause the Lord spoke to me in the word of the Lord, saying: Thou shalt not eat bread, and thou shalt not drink water there, nor return by the way thou wentest. Catholic Public Domain Version For the Lord has spoken to me, by the word of the Lord, saying, “You shall not eat bread, and you shall not drink water in that place, nor shall you return by the way that you arrived.” New American Bible “for I was told by the word of the LORD: You shall not eat bread or drink water there, and do not go back the way you came.” New Revised Standard Version for it was said to me by the word of the LORD: You shall not eat food or drink water there, or return by the way that you came.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible- - - Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because thus it was told me by the word of LORD JEHOVAH:“ you shall not eat bread there and you shall not drink water there, neither shall you return on the road by which you came.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For it was said to me by the word of the LORD: Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn back to go by the way that thou camest.' Brenton Septuagint Translation For thus the Lord commanded me by word, saying, Eat not bread there, and drink not water, and return not thither by the way by which thou camest. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Old Prophet and the Man of God…16But the man replied, “I cannot return with you or eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17For I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” 18Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’ ” The old prophet was lying to him,… Cross References For I have been told by the word of the LORD: 1 Kings 17:2 Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah: Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there Jonah 3:7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” Exodus 34:28 So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. or return by the way you came.’” Deuteronomy 17:16 But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ Matthew 2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route. Genesis 19:17 As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” 1 Samuel 15:22-23 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” Numbers 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” Deuteronomy 13:1-5 If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. … Jeremiah 23:16 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse! Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. … 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. Treasury of Scripture For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, You shall eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that you came. It was [heb] a word was 1 Kings 13:1 And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. 1 Kings 20:35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. Jump to Previous Bread Camest Command Drink Eat Food Turn Water Way Wentest WordJump to Next Bread Camest Command Drink Eat Food Turn Water Way Wentest Word1 Kings 13 1. Jeroboam's hand withers6. and at the prayer of the prophet is restored 7. The prophet departs from Bethel 11. An old prophet brings him back 20. He is reproved by God 23. slain by a lion 26. buried by the old prophet 31. who confirms the prophecy 33. Jeroboam's obstinacy For I have been told by the word of the LORD: This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message received by the prophet. In the Old Testament, the "word of the LORD" often signifies a direct revelation from God, underscoring the seriousness and sacredness of the command. This reflects the prophetic tradition where God's instructions are conveyed to His chosen messengers. The phrase also highlights the importance of obedience to God's word, a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4, where reliance on God's word is paramount. ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there: or return by the way you came.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. The Man of GodA prophet from Judah sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam in Bethel. He is central to the account, demonstrating obedience and later disobedience to God's command. 2. King Jeroboam The ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, who established idol worship in Bethel, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh. 3. Bethel A significant location in the northern kingdom where Jeroboam set up a golden calf, turning it into a center of idolatry. 4. The Old Prophet An unnamed prophet living in Bethel who deceives the man of God, leading to his disobedience. 5. The Word of the LORD The divine command given to the man of God, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions. Teaching Points Obedience to God's WordThe man of God's initial obedience highlights the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands, even when faced with contrary advice or pressure. The Danger of Deception The account warns believers about the potential for deception, even from seemingly trustworthy sources, and the need for discernment. Consequences of Disobedience The account illustrates that disobedience to God's word, regardless of the reason, can lead to severe consequences. The Importance of Discernment Believers must seek wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist false teachings or misleading counsel. Faithfulness in Adversity The man of God's journey and mission remind us of the need to remain faithful to God's calling, even when it leads us into challenging or hostile environments. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 13:17?2. Why was the prophet forbidden to "eat bread or drink water there"? 3. How does 1 Kings 13:17 emphasize obedience to God's specific instructions? 4. What are the consequences of disobedience seen elsewhere in Scripture? 5. How can we discern God's voice amidst conflicting messages today? 6. How should we respond when others challenge our obedience to God's commands? 7. Why did God command the prophet in 1 Kings 13:17 not to eat or drink there? 8. What is the significance of the prophet's disobedience in 1 Kings 13:17? 9. How does 1 Kings 13:17 reflect on the importance of obedience to God's word? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 13? 11. Why do Christian leaders claim to hear from God, yet often contradict each other? 12. What does it mean to be irreverent? 13. Does the portrayal of supernatural sustenance and miracles in 1 Kings 17 contradict or create inconsistencies with other Old Testament accounts of God's provision? 14. In 1 Kings 13:18-19, why would God allow His prophet to be deceived by another prophet's false claim of angelic guidance? What Does 1 Kings 13:17 Mean For I have been told by the word of the LORD– The unnamed man of God makes it clear that his directive comes directly from God, not personal preference (1 Kings 13:9). – God’s word is the final authority; the prophet’s obedience depends on trusting that revealed word, much like Noah following detailed instructions in Genesis 6:22 or Elijah obeying “the word of the LORD” to hide by the Brook Cherith in 1 Kings 17:2-5. – This statement underscores the seriousness of divine command; disobedience is not merely a mistake but rebellion against God Himself (Deuteronomy 8:3; John 14:15). You must not eat bread – Refusing bread in Bethel distances the prophet from Jeroboam’s idolatrous system (1 Kings 12:28-33). – God often uses food restrictions to mark separation and holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45; Daniel 1:8-16). – Accepting a meal would signal fellowship and approval; by abstaining, the prophet visibly condemns the false altar (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:21). Or drink water there – Even the most basic refreshment is off-limits, highlighting total avoidance of compromise (Numbers 6:3-4, Nazarite vow). – In Scripture, withholding water can signify divine judgment (1 Kings 17:1) or consecration (Ezra 8:21). – The command stresses urgency: finish the mission, do not linger, do not be entangled (2 Timothy 2:4). Or return by the way you came – A different route prevents prolonged contact and reinforces the finality of God’s judgment on the altar (Genesis 19:17; Matthew 2:12). – Leaving by another path also protects the prophet from retaliation by Jeroboam (cf. 1 Samuel 19:10-12). – Spiritually, it illustrates repentance—turning from sin and not circling back (Proverbs 4:14-15; Hebrews 12:1-2). summary 1 Kings 13:17 sets out three clear prohibitions—no bread, no water, no return by the same route—delivered “by the word of the LORD.” Each element reinforces the prophet’s total separation from Bethel’s false worship and his exclusive loyalty to God. The verse teaches that when God speaks, His servants must obey completely, avoiding every form of compromise and keeping themselves wholly devoted to Him. Verse 17. - For it was said to me [Heb. a word to me] by [Heb. in] the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I אֵלַי֙ (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to have been told דָבָ֤ר (ḏā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause by the word בִּדְבַ֣ר (biḏ·ḇar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the LORD: יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH ‘You must not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no eat תֹאכַ֣ל (ṯō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat bread לֶ֔חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain or drink תִשְׁתֶּ֥ה (ṯiš·teh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 8354: To imbibe water מָ֑יִם (mā·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen there שָׁ֖ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither or return תָשׁ֣וּב (ṯā·šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again by the way בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ (bad·de·reḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action you came.’” לָלֶ֔כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links 1 Kings 13:17 NIV1 Kings 13:17 NLT 1 Kings 13:17 ESV 1 Kings 13:17 NASB 1 Kings 13:17 KJV 1 Kings 13:17 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 13:17 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 13:17 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 13:17 French Bible 1 Kings 13:17 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 13:17 For it was said to me (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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