Old Testament

1 Kings 13:25

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

ClearClear Bible Translation

Some people passing by saw the body lying on the road with the lion standing next to it. They went and reported it in the city where the old prophet lived.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt.

What 1 Kings 13:25 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this scene, some travelers notice a strange sight: a lion standing beside a dead body on the road. This unusual event captures their attention, prompting them to report it back to the city where an old prophet resides. The lion's presence next to the body raises questions about what happened. It’s a moment filled with mystery and significance, as the lion symbolizes both danger and divine judgment. The old prophet, who had previously misled the man lying dead, is now faced with the consequences of his actions. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of following God’s guidance and the potential repercussions of straying from it. The travelers’ discovery highlights how our choices can lead to unexpected outcomes, impacting not just ourselves but those around us. Ultimately, this moment illustrates the weight of our decisions and the reality of accountability in our lives, urging us to reflect on our paths and the guidance we choose to follow. It’s a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences.

How to apply 1 Kings 13:25 to your life

Reflect on the choices you make daily and consider their potential impact on your life and others. Seek guidance in your decisions, ensuring they align with your values. Remember that every action has a consequence, and strive to make choices that lead to positive outcomes for yourself and those around you. Stay aware of the paths you choose to follow, as they shape your journey in life. Embrace the lessons learned from the past.

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 13:25

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 13:25

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 13:25 mean?

1 Kings 13:25 describes a scene where travelers find a dead body and a lion standing beside it. This unusual sight raises questions about the circumstances of the man's death and serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's guidance.

What is the significance of the lion in 1 Kings 13:25?

The lion in 1 Kings 13:25 symbolizes danger and divine judgment. Its presence next to the dead body highlights the seriousness of the man's actions and the repercussions of not following God's instructions.

How does 1 Kings 13:25 relate to accountability?

1 Kings 13:25 relates to accountability by showing that the actions of the old prophet led to dire consequences for another. The verse serves as a reminder that our decisions can impact not only ourselves but also those around us.

What lessons can we learn from 1 Kings 13:25?

From 1 Kings 13:25, we learn the importance of making wise choices and seeking guidance in our decisions. The verse teaches that every action has consequences, urging us to reflect on our paths and the potential outcomes of our choices.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

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