Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “What have you lacked here that you want to go back to your own country?” Pharaoh asked. “Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but do let me go!” New Living Translation “Why?” Pharaoh asked him. “What do you lack here that makes you want to go home?” “Nothing,” he replied. “But even so, please let me return home.” English Standard Version But Pharaoh said to him, “What have you lacked with me that you are now seeking to go to your own country?” And he said to him, “Only let me depart.” Berean Standard Bible But Pharaoh asked him, “What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” “Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but please let me go.” Berean Literal Bible And Pharaoh said to him, “But what are you lacking with me, that suddenly you seek to go to your own land?” And he answered, “Nothing, but you must surely send me away.” King James Bible Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise. New King James Version Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that suddenly you seek to go to your own country?” So he answered, “Nothing, but do let me go anyway.” New American Standard Bible However, Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me that you are here, requesting to go to your own country?” And he answered, “Nothing; nevertheless you must let me go.” NASB 1995 Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own country?” And he answered, “Nothing; nevertheless you must surely let me go.” NASB 1977 Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own country?” And he answered, “Nothing; nevertheless you must surely let me go.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own country?” And he answered, “Nothing; nevertheless you must surely let me go.” Amplified Bible Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me that now you ask to go to your own country?” He replied, “Nothing; nevertheless you must let me go.” Berean Annotated Bible But Pharaoh (great house) asked him, “What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country? “Nothing, Hadad replied, “but please let me go. Christian Standard Bible But Pharaoh asked him, “What do you lack here with me for you to want to go back to your own country? ” “Nothing,” he replied, “but please let me leave.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But Pharaoh asked him, “What do you lack here with me for you to want to go back to your own country?"” Nothing,” he replied, “but please let me leave.” American Standard Version Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit only let me depart. Contemporary English Version "Why?" asked the king. "Do you want something I haven't given you?" "No, I just want to go home." English Revised Version Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me depart in any wise. GOD'S WORD® Translation Pharaoh asked him, "What don't you have here that makes you eager to go home?" "Nothing," he said. "But let me leave anyway." Good News Translation "Why?" the king asked. "Have I failed to give you something? Is that why you want to go back home?" "Just let me go," Hadad answered the king. And he went back to his country. As king of Edom, Hadad was an evil, bitter enemy of Israel. International Standard Version Pharaoh asked him, "But have you lacked anything from me that would make you want to go back to your own country?" "No," he answered, "but I still really must leave." NET Bible Pharaoh said to him, "What do you lack here that makes you want to go to your homeland?" Hadad replied, "Nothing, but please give me permission to leave." New Heart English Bible Then Pharaoh said to him, "But what have you lacked with me, that look, you seek to go to your own country?" He answered, "Nothing, however only let me depart." Webster's Bible Translation Then Pharaoh said to him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thy own country? And he answered, Nothing: yet, in any wise let me go. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Pharaoh asked him, “What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” “Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but please let me go.” World English Bible Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you seek to go to your own country?” He answered, “Nothing, however only let me depart.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Pharaoh says to him, “But what are you lacking with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own land?” And he says, “Nothing, but you certainly send me away.” Berean Literal Bible And Pharaoh said to him, “But what are you lacking with me, that suddenly you seek to go to your own land?” And he answered, “Nothing, but you must surely send me away.” Young's Literal Translation And Pharaoh saith to him, 'But, what art thou lacking with me, that lo, thou art seeking to go unto thine own land?' and he saith, 'Nay, but thou dost certainly send me away.' Smith's Literal Translation And Pharaoh will say to him, For what lackest thou with me, and behold thee seeking to go to thy land? and he will say, Naught: but sending, thou shalt send me away. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Pharao said to him: Why, what is wanting to thee with me, that thou seekest to go to thy own country? But he answered: Nothing: yet I beseech thee to let me go. Catholic Public Domain Version And Pharaoh said to him, “But what is lacking to you with me, so that you would seek to go to your own land?” But he responded: “Nothing. Yet I beg you that you may release me.” New American Bible Pharaoh said to him, “What do you lack with me, that you are seeking to return to your own land?” He answered, “Nothing, but please let me go!” New Revised Standard Version But Pharaoh said to him, “What do you lack with me that you now seek to go to your own country?” And he said, “No, do let me go.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Pharaoh said to him, What have you lacked with me that, behold, you seek to go to your own country? And he answered, Nothing; but do let me go. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Pharaoh said to him: “What have you lacked with me that now you seek that you will go to your land?” He said to him: “Nothing, but send and let me go.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Pharaoh said unto him: 'But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country?' And he answered: 'Nothing; howbeit let me depart in any wise.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Pharao said to Ader, What lackest thou with me? that lo! thou seekest to depart to thy country? and Ader said to him, By all means let me go. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Hadad's Return…21When Hadad heard in Egypt that David had rested with his fathers and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, he said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, that I may return to my own country.” 22But Pharaoh asked him, “ What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” “Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but please let me go.” Cross References But Pharaoh asked him, Genesis 41:15-16 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” / “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.” Genesis 41:37-40 This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. / So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” / Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. … Genesis 47:5-6 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you, / the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.” “What have you lacked here with me Deuteronomy 2:7 Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing. 1 Samuel 25:7 Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. 1 Samuel 30:19 Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back. that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” Genesis 24:5-8 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” / Abraham replied, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there. / The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there. … Ruth 1:15-16 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.” / But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Genesis 31:3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” “Nothing,” Hadad replied, Psalm 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 34:9-10 Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. / Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. “but please let me go.” Exodus 4:18 Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied. Genesis 24:56 But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” 1 Samuel 20:6 If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.’ Exodus 2:15 When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. Treasury of Scripture Then Pharaoh said to him, But what have you lacked with me, that, behold, you seek to go to your own country? And he answered, Nothing: however, let me go in any wise. But Jeremiah 2:31 O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Nothing [heb] Not 2 Samuel 18:22,23 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? … Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. Jump to Previous Case Country Depart Desirest Desiring Hadad Howbeit However Lacked Nevertheless Pharaoh Seek Seekest Seeking Short Surely Want WiseJump to Next Case Country Depart Desirest Desiring Hadad Howbeit However Lacked Nevertheless Pharaoh Seek Seekest Seeking Short Surely Want Wise1 Kings 11 1. Solomon's wives and concubines4. In his old age they draw him to idolatry 9. God threatens him, 14. Solomon's adversaries were Hadad, who was entertained in Egypt 23. Rezon, who reigned in Damascus 26. And Jeroboam, to whom Ahijah prophesied 41. Solomon's acts, reign, and death. Rehoboam succeeds him But Pharaoh asked him, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative, often representing a political power that interacts with Israel. In this context, Pharaoh's question indicates a relationship of favor and hospitality towards Hadad, an Edomite prince. This reflects the historical alliances and tensions between Egypt and neighboring nations. Pharaoh's inquiry suggests a level of concern or curiosity about Hadad's motives, highlighting the political dynamics of the time. “What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” “Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but please let me go.” Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt during the time of King Solomon. He provided refuge to Hadad, an Edomite prince, when he fled from Israel. 2. Hadad An Edomite prince who fled to Egypt after King David and Joab, the commander of the army, destroyed all the males in Edom. He found favor with Pharaoh and married into the royal family. 3. Egypt The land where Hadad sought refuge. It represents a place of safety and provision for Hadad during his exile. 4. Edom The homeland of Hadad, which he desires to return to. It is significant as the place of his heritage and identity. 5. King Solomon The king of Israel during this time, whose reign is marked by wisdom but also by turning away from God, leading to adversaries like Hadad rising against him. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in AdversityGod can use adversaries to fulfill His purposes and bring about His will, even when it seems contrary to human plans. The Importance of Heritage and Identity Hadad's desire to return to Edom highlights the deep connection people have with their homeland and identity. Christians are reminded of their heavenly citizenship and the importance of spiritual heritage. The Consequences of Disobedience Solomon's turning away from God led to the rise of adversaries. This serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from God's commands. The Role of Providence in Relationships The relationship between Hadad and Pharaoh shows how God can provide unexpected allies and resources in times of need. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:22?2. Why did Pharaoh question Hadad's desire to return to his own land? 3. How does 1 Kings 11:22 illustrate God's sovereignty over political alliances? 4. What does Hadad's response reveal about loyalty and divine purpose? 5. How can we discern God's will when facing decisions like Hadad's? 6. Compare Hadad's situation with other biblical figures who returned to their homeland. 7. Why did Pharaoh refuse Solomon's request in 1 Kings 11:22? 8. How does 1 Kings 11:22 reflect God's sovereignty over political alliances? 9. What does 1 Kings 11:22 reveal about Solomon's relationship with foreign powers? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 11? 11. Comparing 2 Chronicles 18 with 1 Kings 22, how can both accounts be inerrant if they present varying details about the same event? 12. In 1 Kings 22:19-23, how can a just and holy God send a 'lying spirit' to deceive Ahab's prophets? 13. In 1 Kings 22:20-22, does the idea of divine intervention through deceit conflict with other biblical teachings on truth? 14. Who were Josiah's sons? What Does 1 Kings 11:22 Mean But Pharaoh asked him• Hadad had grown up under Pharaoh’s protection after fleeing David’s conquest of Edom (1 Kings 11:17–20). • Egypt often served as a refuge for displaced people, e.g., Joseph’s family (Genesis 47:5-6) and later Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:40). • The dialogue shows Pharaoh personally invested in Hadad’s welfare—a reminder that God sovereignly uses even foreign rulers for His purposes (Proverbs 21:1; Romans 9:17). “What have you lacked here with me” • The question assumes Pharaoh has met every need—food, status, even family ties through marriage (1 Kings 11:19). • Scripture repeatedly highlights God’s providence in places of exile: “these forty years … you have lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7; cf. Nehemiah 9:21). • Material abundance is never the final answer to the soul’s deeper callings (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 23:1). “that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” • Despite comfort in Egypt, Hadad longs for his homeland—a powerful pull echoed in Israel’s later return from Babylon (Ezra 1:3; Psalm 137:1-6). • Verse 14 notes, “the LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon—Hadad the Edomite,” revealing a divine purpose behind Hadad’s restlessness (cf. Isaiah 10:5-7). • Motives matter: Hadad’s return carries the seed of vengeance, paralleling Absalom’s hidden intentions when he asked David to go to Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-10). “Nothing,” Hadad replied • He admits Pharaoh’s generosity; his desire is not due to unmet needs. • Contentment with circumstances does not erase a God-given identity or calling (Philippians 4:11-12; Acts 17:26). • The contrast between Hadad’s contentment and his brewing hostility warns that external peace can mask internal warfare (James 4:1). “but please let me go.” • Hadad seeks release, echoing Moses’ plea to Pharaoh—“Let My people go” (Exodus 9:1)—yet with opposite intent. • God allows Hadad’s departure to discipline Solomon for turning to foreign wives and idols (1 Kings 11:9-11, 23-25). • Human permission (“let me go”) operates within divine sovereignty: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9; cf. Acts 17:26-27). summary Pharaoh’s caring question, Hadad’s honest yet restless answer, and God’s unseen hand combine to show that generous provision cannot redirect a heart God has stirred for His larger purposes. Even hospitable Egypt could not quench Hadad’s urge to return, an urge God would turn into a tool of judgment against Solomon’s disobedience. The verse reminds us that God orchestrates kings and refugees alike, exposing motives and fulfilling His word with precise fidelity. Verse 22. - Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? [The natural inquiry of Eastern courtesy.] And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise. [Heb. thou shalt surely send me away. Rawlinson says, "There is a remarkable abruptness in this termination." But we must remember how unfinished, to our eyes, Scripture narratives constantly seem. There is no need, consequently, to suspect any accidental omission from the Hebrew text. The LXX., it is true, adds, "and Ader departed," etc., but this may be inferred from vers. 14, 25. And Hadad's persistent desire to depart, for which he assigns no reason, is suggestive of the thoughts which were stirring in his soul. "The keen remembrance of his native land, his lost kingdom, and the slaughter of all his house, gathered strength within him; and all the ease and princely honour which he enjoyed in Egypt availed not against the claims of ambition, vengeance, and patriotism" (Kitto).]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But Pharaohפַרְעֹ֗ה (p̄ar·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings asked him, וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “What מָה־ (māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have you אַתָּ֤ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you lacked חָסֵר֙ (ḥā·sêr) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2638: Needy, lacking, in want of here with me עִמִּ֔י (‘im·mî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with that you suddenly וְהִנְּךָ֥ (wə·hin·nə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Interjection | second person masculine singular Strong's 2005: Lo! behold! want מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after to go back לָלֶ֣כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to your own country?” אַרְצֶ֑ךָ (’ar·ṣe·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land “Nothing,” לֹ֔א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no [Hadad] replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “but כִּ֠י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction please let me go.” שַׁלֵּ֖חַ (šal·lê·aḥ) Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out Links 1 Kings 11:22 NIV1 Kings 11:22 NLT 1 Kings 11:22 ESV 1 Kings 11:22 NASB 1 Kings 11:22 KJV 1 Kings 11:22 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 11:22 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 11:22 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 11:22 French Bible 1 Kings 11:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 11:22 Then Pharaoh said to him But what (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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