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1 Kings 22:21

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 22:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him.
1 Kings 22:21 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?
19And [Micaiah] said, Therefore hear thou the word of Jehovah: I saw Jehovah sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
20And Jehovah said, Who shall entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner; and another said on that manner.
21And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him.
22And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt entice him, and shalt prevail also: go forth, and do so.
23Now therefore, behold, Jehovah hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets; and Jehovah hath spoken evil concerning thee.
24Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of Jehovah from me to speak unto thee?
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And there came forth a spirit, etc.] Not from the heavenly host on the right hand or the left, for they are pure and holy spirits, and impeccable, and cannot lie or deceive; but the evil spirit, Satan, the father of lies, the old deceiver, who came forth from his own place and his own company: and stood before the Lord presented himself before him, as Satan did, (<180106>Job 1:6), and said, l will persuade him; or prevail upon him; evil spirits love to be employed in doing harm to men, they go about seeking whom they may devour. This could not be the spirit of Naboth, as the Jews say f460, seeking revenge on Ahab; that was in a state of happiness, could not move from thence, and be capable…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A spirit - “The spirit “ - which some explain as “the evil spirit” - i. e. Satan; others as simply “the spirit” who should “persuade.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A spirit - An evil spirit came, and presented himself before the throne. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 22:22”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Kg1 22:23; Job 1:6, Job 1:7, Job 2:1 3 Kings (1 Kings) 22:22”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 22 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification