1 Kings 20:20 and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry.

◄ 1 Kings 20:20 ►

New International Version
and each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen.

New Living Translation
Each Israelite soldier killed his Aramean opponent, and suddenly the entire Aramean army panicked and fled. The Israelites chased them, but King Ben-hadad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses.

English Standard Version
And each struck down his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Berean Standard Bible
and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry.

King James Bible
And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.

New King James Version
And each one killed his man; so the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the cavalry.

New American Standard Bible
And they killed, each one, his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.

NASB 1995
They killed each his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.

NASB 1977
And they killed each his man; and the Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they each struck his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Amplified Bible
And each one killed his man; and the Arameans (Syrians) fled and Israel pursued them. Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Christian Standard Bible
and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry.

American Standard Version
And they slew every one his man; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Contemporary English Version
and each of them attacked and killed an enemy soldier. The rest of the Syrian army turned and ran, and the Israelites went after them. Benhadad and some others escaped on horses,

English Revised Version
And they slew every one his man; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with horsemen.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Each officer killed his opponent. The Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them. King Benhadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry.

Good News Translation
and each one killed the man he fought. The Syrians fled, with the Israelites in hot pursuit, but Benhadad escaped on horseback, accompanied by some of the cavalry.

International Standard Version
Each man struck down his opponent, and the Arameans ran away with Israel in pursuit. King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on horseback with the help of his cavalry.

Majority Standard Bible
and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry.

NET Bible
Each one struck down an enemy soldier; the Syrians fled and Israel chased them. King Ben Hadad of Syria escaped on horseback with some horsemen.

New Heart English Bible
They each killed his man. The Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them. Ben Hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the horsemen.

World English Bible
They each killed his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them. Ben Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and each strikes his man, and Aram flees, and Israel pursues them, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram escapes on a horse—and the horsemen;

Young's Literal Translation
and smite each his man, and Aram fleeth, and Israel pursueth them, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram escapeth on a horse, and the horsemen;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will strike a man his man: and Aram will flee, and Israel will pursue them: and Ben-hadad king of Aram, will escape upon a horse, and the horsemen.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And every one slew the man that came against him: and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued after them. And Benadad king of Syria fled away on horseback with his horsemen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And each one struck down the man who came against him. And the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them. Also, Benhadad, the king of Syria, fled on a horse, with his horsemen.

New American Bible
each of them struck down his man. The Arameans fled with Israel pursuing them, while Ben-hadad, king of Aram, escaped on a chariot horse.

New Revised Standard Version
Each killed his man; the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they slew every one his man; and the Arameans fled; and Israel pursued them; and Bar-hadad the king of Aram escaped in chariots with horsemen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they killed every man his man, and Edom fled, and Israel pursued them, and Hadad King of Edom escaped with chariots and horsemen.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they slew every one his man; and the Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
smote each one the man next to him; and each one a second time smote the man next to him: and Syria fled, and Israel pursued them; and the son of Ader, even the king of Syria, escapes on the horse of a horseman.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
…19Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them, 20and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. 21Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Judges 7:21
Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.

2 Chronicles 13:16-17
So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands. / Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain.

2 Samuel 8:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Kings 7:7
Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.

2 Chronicles 20:22-23
The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

Exodus 14:25
He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!”

Joshua 10:10
And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah.

1 Samuel 14:20
Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.

2 Samuel 10:18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there.

2 Kings 3:24
But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.

2 Chronicles 14:12
So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled.

Isaiah 37:36-37
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.

Matthew 24:16-18
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.

Luke 21:21
Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.

Acts 8:1
And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Treasury of Scripture

And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.

the prophet

1 Kings 20:13,38
And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD…

1 Kings 19:10
And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 22:8
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

strengthen

2 Chronicles 25:8,11
But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down…

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

at the return

1 Kings 20:26
And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

2 Samuel 11:1
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 20:1
And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.

Jump to Previous

Aram Aramaeans Arameans Ben Benhadad Ben-Hadad Ben-Ha'dad Death Escaped Fled Fleeth Flight Hadad Horse Horseback Horsemen Israel Israelites Killed Opponent Pursued Pursueth Pursuit Safely Slew Smite Struck Syria Syrians

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1 Kings 20

1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria
13. By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain
22. As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek
28. By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again
31. The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant
35. The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner,
39. making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him

Berean Study Bible

Each one struck down his opponent
This phrase highlights the individual valor and courage of the Israelite soldiers. The Hebrew root for "struck down" is "נכה" (nakah), which often implies a decisive blow or defeat. This reflects the divine empowerment and skill given to the Israelites, reminiscent of David's victories over his enemies. The personal engagement in battle signifies the importance of individual responsibility and action in the collective success of God's people.

and the Arameans fled
The flight of the Arameans signifies a turning point in the battle, showcasing the fear and disarray that overtook them. Historically, the Arameans were a formidable force, often at odds with Israel. Their retreat underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Israel from their enemies, as seen throughout the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "fled" is "נוס" (nus), indicating a hurried escape, often used in contexts where divine intervention causes panic among foes.

and Israel pursued them
The pursuit by Israel demonstrates their obedience to God's command to completely defeat their enemies. The act of pursuing is not merely a military tactic but a spiritual act of faith, trusting in God's continued support. The Hebrew root "רדף" (radaph) implies a relentless chase, reflecting the determination and zeal of God's people to secure the victory He has granted.

But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry
Ben-hadad's escape highlights the incomplete nature of the victory. The mention of "horseback" and "cavalry" points to the military strength and resources of Aram, yet even these could not secure victory against God's chosen people. Historically, Ben-hadad's escape sets the stage for future conflicts, reminding us of the persistent nature of spiritual warfare. The escape serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and reliance on God, as earthly power and strategy are ultimately insufficient without divine favor.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20) And they slew . . .--The attack of this handful of men, supported by a sally of the whole garrison, is not unlike the slaughter of the Philistine garrison and host in the days of Saul (1 Samuel 14), or the still earlier rout of the army of Midian by the night attack of Gideon (Judges 7:16-23). Probably, as in these cases, the Israelites may have risen from various lurking-places to join in the pursuit and slaughter. It does not necessarily follow that the event was miraculous. Such dispersions of vast Oriental armies are not uncommon in history. The lesson is that drawn with noble simplicity by Jonathan: "There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few" (1Samuel 14:6).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 20. - And they slew every one his man [The LXX., which differs here considerably from the Hebrew, inserts at this point καὶ ἐδευτέρωσεν ἕκαστος τὸν παρ αὐτοῦ. Ewald thinks the Hebrew text ought to be made to correspond, and would read ׃ך׃ך וַיּשְׁנוּ אישׁ אישׁו, each repeatedly killed his man, as in 1 Samuel 14:16]: and the Syrians fled [When a few had fallen, utter panic seized the rest. The separate kings, with their divided interests, thought only of their own safety. It was a sauve qui pout. "The hasty and disordered flight of a vast Oriental army before an enemy contemptible in numbers is no uncommon occurrence. Above 1,000,000 of Persians fled before 47,000 Greeks at Arbela" (Rawlinson). The very size of such hosts, especially where the command is divided and where the generals are drunk or incapable, contributes to their defeat]; and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse [Thenius suggests that this was a chariot horse, the first that presented] with the horsemen. [Heb. and horsemen; sc., escaped with him Keil). He had an escort in some of his fugitive cavalry.]

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

and each
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

one struck down
וַיַּכּוּ֙ (way·yak·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

his opponent.
אִישׁ֔וֹ (’î·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

So the Arameans
אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

fled,
וַיָּנֻ֣סוּ (way·yā·nu·sū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

with the Israelites
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

in pursuit.
וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵ֖ם (way·yir·də·p̄êm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

But Ben-hadad
הֲדַד֙ (hă·ḏaḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1130: Ben-hadad -- 'son of Hadad', the name of several Aramean (Syrian) kings

king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Aram
אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

escaped
וַיִּמָּלֵ֗ט (way·yim·mā·lêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

horseback
ס֖וּס (sūs)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird)

with the cavalry.
וּפָרָשִֽׁים׃ (ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry

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OT History: 1 Kings 20:20 They killed everyone his man (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)