Old Testament

1 Kings 20:22

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

ClearClear Bible Translation

Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, "Go, strengthen yourself, and pay attention to what you do, because the king of Syria will attack you again next spring."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

What 1 Kings 20:22 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, a prophet delivers a crucial message to the king of Israel. He advises the king to prepare himself because an enemy, the king of Syria, is planning to attack again in the spring. This warning emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and proactive in the face of challenges. The prophet's words serve as a reminder that preparation is key to overcoming future difficulties. The king must not only strengthen himself physically but also mentally and strategically. This moment highlights the need for awareness and readiness in leadership. It’s a call to take action and not be caught off guard. The king's response to this warning will determine his success in the upcoming battle. Ultimately, it’s about being prepared for what lies ahead, even when things seem calm. The prophet’s guidance is a valuable lesson in foresight and resilience, urging us to stay alert and ready for whatever challenges may come our way, both in leadership and in life itself. It’s a powerful reminder that preparation can make all the difference.

How to apply 1 Kings 20:22 to your life

In your own life, consider areas where you need to prepare for future challenges. Take time to strengthen your skills and knowledge. Stay alert to potential difficulties and plan your responses. Remember, being proactive can help you navigate tough situations more effectively and confidently. Preparation is key to success in any endeavor you pursue.

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 Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

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

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

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 20:22

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 20:22

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 20:22 mean?

In 1 Kings 20:22, a prophet warns the king of Israel to prepare for an upcoming attack from the king of Syria. This message emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures in leadership.

What is the significance of the prophet's message in 1 Kings 20:22?

The prophet's message in 1 Kings 20:22 highlights the importance of preparation and awareness in the face of future challenges. It serves as a reminder that leaders must be ready for potential threats.

How can I apply the lessons from 1 Kings 20:22 to my life?

You can apply the lessons from 1 Kings 20:22 by identifying areas in your life where you need to prepare for future challenges. Strengthening your skills and staying alert to potential difficulties can help you navigate tough situations.

What does 'strengthen yourself' mean in 1 Kings 20:22?

In 1 Kings 20:22, 'strengthen yourself' means to prepare both physically and mentally for upcoming challenges. It suggests taking proactive steps to ensure you are ready for what lies ahead.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

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