1 Kings 13 11

1 Kings 13:11 kjv

Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.

1 Kings 13:11 nkjv

Now an old prophet dwelt in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; they also told their father the words which he had spoken to the king.

1 Kings 13:11 niv

Now there was a certain old prophet living in Bethel, whose sons came and told him all that the man of God had done there that day. They also told their father what he had said to the king.

1 Kings 13:11 esv

Now an old prophet lived in Bethel. And his sons came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told to their father the words that he had spoken to the king.

1 Kings 13:11 nlt

As it happened, there was an old prophet living in Bethel, and his sons came home and told him what the man of God had done in Bethel that day. They also told their father what the man had said to the king.

1 Kings 13 verses

1 Kings 13 11 Meaning

This verse introduces an old prophet dwelling in Bethel, highlighting the critical role his sons play in informing him about the miraculous actions and pronouncements of the man of God who had just come from Judah. This report initiates the chain of events leading to the man of God's tragic deception and disobedience, underscoring themes of communication, integrity in prophecy, and the setting of the immediate narrative.

1 Kings 13 11 Context

First Kings Chapter 13 begins with a divinely commissioned "man of God" from Judah confronting King Jeroboam at Bethel, condemning the king's new idolatrous altar. This prophet delivers a potent message directly from the LORD, punctuated by immediate miraculous signs: the altar splitting and Jeroboam's hand withering. The man of God receives explicit instructions from God: to neither eat nor drink in Bethel, and to return home by a different route. Verse 11 introduces a new character, an unnamed "old prophet," living in this idolatrous center. His sons, witnessing or hearing about the recent dramatic events involving the man of God and King Jeroboam, bring the account to their father. This sets the stage for the old prophet's deceptive intervention in the divine mission, highlighting the presence of varying prophetic expressions in the divided kingdom and the critical test of obedience the man of God faced. Historically, Bethel had devolved from Jacob's "House of God" to a primary site for Jeroboam's golden calf worship, contrasting deeply with Jerusalem's legitimate worship, setting up a clear conflict of spiritual authority.

1 Kings 13 11 Word analysis

• Now: Introduces a new development, signaling a shift in focus from the immediate confrontation between the man of God and Jeroboam.
• there dwelt (יָשַׁב - yashav): Implies settled residence, indicating this prophet was a permanent fixture in Bethel, contrasting with the man of God who was passing through. This prophet was embedded in the very city of Jeroboam's idolatry.
• an old prophet (זָקֵן נָבִיא - zaqen navi): "Old" implies experience, wisdom, perhaps respect or authority within his community. "Prophet" (נָבִיא - navi) literally means "one who speaks for another," especially God. The immediate text grants him the title, but his subsequent actions will question his integrity or faithfulness to the true God, raising concerns about his allegiance to YHWH given Bethel's idolatry.
• in Bethel (בֵּית־אֵל - Bethel): "House of God." A site sacred since Jacob's vision (Gen 28), it became one of Jeroboam's primary centers for calf worship (1 Kgs 12:29), serving as a stark symbol of syncretism and apostasy against YHWH. The fact that a "prophet" resided there is ironic and suspicious.
• and his sons (וּבָנָיו - uvanaiv): "Sons" suggests a household, perhaps an established prophetic school or family, implying a legacy or succession, or simply a normal family structure. Their role as reporters is crucial.
• came and told him (בָּאוּ וַיַּגִּידוּ - ba'u vayagidu): "Came" indicates movement towards him; "told him" signifies active communication and detailed reporting, showing they were attentive to the day's events.
• all the works (אֶת־כָּל־הַמַּעֲשֶׂה - et-kol-hama'aseh): Refers to the supernatural, powerful acts the man of God performed—the tearing of the altar and the withering of Jeroboam's hand. This was not mere words but demonstrable power.
• that the man of God (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים - ish ha-Elohim): This is a formal, respectful title, indicating one uniquely chosen and commissioned by God. It contrasts sharply with the old prophet's true character as revealed later.
• had done that day in Bethel: Emphasizes the immediacy and location of these significant divine manifestations.
• the words which he had spoken (אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר - et-hadvarm asher-dibber): Refers to the prophetic oracle itself, the message of judgment against the altar delivered by the man of God to Jeroboam (1 Kgs 13:2).
• unto the king (אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ - el-hamelech): Highlights the direct target and political impact of the prophetic message.
• them they told also to their father: Reiterates the completeness and specificity of the report, ensuring the old prophet was fully appraised of both the actions and the message, preparing the ground for his subsequent deceit.

1 Kings 13 11 Bonus section

The mention of "sons" might hint at a 'school of prophets' model, like those seen with Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. However, unlike the pure prophetic training found in those schools, this "old prophet's" sons are integrated into the idolatrous environment of Bethel, possibly influencing their father or simply being his observers in a corrupted religious landscape. This detail subtly contributes to the compromised status of the old prophet himself. The verse serves as a cautionary tale not only about overt disobedience but also about the insidious nature of spiritual deception, particularly when it originates from seemingly credible sources within religious circles. It underscores that even titled "prophets" can deviate from divine truth.

1 Kings 13 11 Commentary

Verse 11 is the pivotal entry point for the "old prophet" character into the tragic narrative of 1 Kings 13. It introduces him residing in Bethel, a location laden with theological irony—a "House of God" corrupted into a hub of idolatry by Jeroboam. The description "an old prophet" is initially ambiguous; while "prophet" implies divine calling, his association with Bethel hints at compromise. His sons serve as vital conduits, delivering a comprehensive report of the man of God's divinely authorized deeds and words. This detailed information about the authentic prophetic encounter of the day provides the old prophet with all the necessary details to formulate his subsequent deceit. The verse sets up a test of spiritual discernment not just for the old prophet, but for the reader: what constitutes true prophecy, and how does one distinguish it, particularly when those purporting to be from God engage in questionable actions? The stage is meticulously set for a clash of prophetic authorities, one sent directly by God with clear instructions, the other established but seemingly compromised by his surroundings.