Old Testament
1 Kings 13:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The king pleaded with the man of God, 'Entreat now the face of the LORD your God and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me again.' So the man of God prayed to the LORD, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before.
Compare translations
And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
What 1 Kings 13:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the king finds himself in a dire situation after losing the use of his hand. Recognizing his need for help, he turns to the man of God, demonstrating humility and the understanding that he cannot solve this problem alone. The king earnestly asks the man of God to pray to the LORD for him, showcasing his vulnerability and desire for divine intervention. The man of God responds with compassion and prays fervently, leading to a miraculous restoration of the king's hand. This event illustrates the power of sincere prayer and faith, emphasizing that even those in authority can experience moments of weakness and need. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the belief that help can come from a higher power. It encourages us to seek assistance when we face challenges and to trust in the transformative power of faith and prayer, which can lead to healing and restoration in our lives.
How to apply 1 Kings 13:6 to your life
In times of difficulty, remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Like the king, we can reach out to others and to God for support. Prayer can facilitate change and healing, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Trust in faith to transform your circumstances and restore hope during tough times.
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.

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

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 PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 13:6
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 13:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 13:6 mean?
1 Kings 13:6 describes a moment when a king, after losing the use of his hand, humbly asks a man of God to pray for him. This illustrates the importance of seeking help and the power of prayer in times of need.
What is the significance of prayer in 1 Kings 13:6?
In this verse, prayer is shown as a vital means of seeking divine intervention. The man of God’s prayer leads to the miraculous restoration of the king's hand, highlighting the effectiveness of sincere prayer.
How does 1 Kings 13:6 illustrate humility?
The king's request for the man of God to pray for him demonstrates humility, as he acknowledges his inability to restore his hand on his own. This act of seeking help reflects a recognition of one's limitations.
What does the restoration in 1 Kings 13:6 represent?
The restoration of the king's hand symbolizes the possibility of healing and recovery through faith and prayer. It serves as a reminder that even in desperate situations, hope and restoration can be found.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.