Old Testament

1 Kings 13:22

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

But you came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where the LORD told you, 'Do not eat bread or drink water.' Because of this, your body will not be buried in your family's tomb.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

What 1 Kings 13:22 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, a prophet was given clear instructions from God not to eat or drink in a certain place. However, he disobeyed and returned to eat and drink there. This act of disobedience had serious consequences. God had warned him that because he did not follow the command, he would not be buried with his ancestors. This story highlights the importance of listening to and following God's guidance. It serves as a reminder that our choices can lead to significant outcomes, both good and bad. The prophet's failure to obey God's word resulted in a tragic end, emphasizing that we must take divine instructions seriously. Our actions matter, and they can affect our lives in profound ways, even beyond our understanding. This narrative encourages us to reflect on our own decisions and the importance of staying true to our commitments and beliefs, especially when faced with temptation or pressure to conform to others' expectations. Disobedience can lead to unforeseen consequences, reminding us to remain steadfast in our faith.

How to apply 1 Kings 13:22 to your life

Consider the areas in your life where you might be tempted to stray from your values or beliefs. Reflect on the importance of staying true to your commitments, even when it’s challenging. Remember that your choices can have lasting effects, so choose wisely and seek guidance when needed. Trust in the path you believe is right for you, and stay committed to it. Your integrity matters in every decision you make, big or small.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Esther

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shiloh

Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 1 Kings 13:22

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 1 Kings 13:22

At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings

Author
Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
Written
Around 560 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Kings 13:22 mean?

1 Kings 13:22 describes a prophet who disobeyed God's command not to eat or drink in a specific place. His disobedience led to a warning that he would not be buried with his ancestors, highlighting the serious consequences of ignoring divine instructions.

What is the significance of disobedience in 1 Kings 13:22?

The disobedience in 1 Kings 13:22 serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of following God's guidance. It illustrates that our choices can have serious repercussions, affecting not only our lives but also our legacy.

What lesson can we learn from 1 Kings 13:22?

1 Kings 13:22 teaches us the importance of staying true to our commitments and values, especially when faced with temptation. It reminds us that our decisions matter and can lead to significant outcomes.

Why was the prophet punished in 1 Kings 13:22?

The prophet was punished in 1 Kings 13:22 because he disobeyed God's clear instructions not to eat or drink in a certain place. His failure to follow God's command resulted in a severe consequence regarding his burial.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.