Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version While your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” “That is your sentence,” the king of Israel said. “You have pronounced it yourself.” New Living Translation But while I was busy doing something else, the prisoner disappeared!” “Well, it’s your own fault,” the king replied. “You have brought the judgment on yourself.” English Standard Version And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” The king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” Berean Standard Bible But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass that your servant working here and there, and he was not there.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So is your judgment; you have determined.” King James Bible And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. New King James Version While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” Then the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” New American Standard Bible Now while your servant was busy here and there, he disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself determined it.” NASB 1995 “While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” NASB 1977 “And while your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened that while your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” Amplified Bible But while your servant was busy here and there, he [escaped and] was gone.” And the king of Israel said to him, “Such is your own judgment (verdict); you have determined it.” Berean Annotated Bible But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared. And the king of Israel (he wrestles with God) said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself. Christian Standard Bible But while your servant was busy here and there, he disappeared.” The king of Israel said to him, “That will be your sentence; you yourself have decided it.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But while your servant was busy here and there, he disappeared.” The king of Israel said to him, “That will be your sentence; you yourself have decided it.” American Standard Version And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. Contemporary English Version But I got busy doing other things, and the prisoner escaped." Ahab answered, "You will be punished just as you have said." English Revised Version And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. GOD'S WORD® Translation But while I was busy doing other things, he got away." The king of Israel told him, "That's your own penalty. You have determined it yourself." Good News Translation But I got busy with other things, and the man escaped." The king answered, "You have pronounced your own sentence, and you will have to pay the penalty." International Standard Version While your servant was busy here and there, the prisoner escaped." The king told him, "By your actions you've earned the proper judgment!" NET Bible Well, it just so happened that while your servant was doing this and that, he disappeared." The king of Israel said to him, "Your punishment is already determined by your own testimony." New Heart English Bible As your servant was busy here and there, he was gone." The king of Israel said to him, "So your judgment shall be; you yourself have decided it." Webster's Bible Translation And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said to him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” World English Bible As your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” The king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be. You yourself have decided it.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass, your servant is working here and there, and he is not!” And the king of Israel says to him, “Your judgment [is] right; you have determined [it].” Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass that your servant working here and there, and he was not there.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So is your judgment; you have determined.” Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass, thy servant is working hither and thither, and he is not!' and the king of Israel saith unto him, Right is thy judgment; thou hast determined it.' Smith's Literal Translation And it will be thy servant doing here and there, and he was not. And the king of Israel will say to him, Thus thy judgment; thou didst decide. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd whilst I in a hurry turned this way and that, on a sudden he was not to be seen. And the king of Israel said to him: This is thy judgment, which thyself hast decreed. Catholic Public Domain Version And while I was distracted, turning one way and another, suddenly, he was not to be seen.” And the king of Israel said to him, “This is your judgment, that which you yourself have decreed.” New American Bible But while your servant was occupied here and there, the man disappeared.” The king of Israel said to him, “That is your sentence. You have decided it yourself.” New Revised Standard Version While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” The king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said to him, So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And as your Servant turned aside here and there, he was gone. The King of Israel said to him: ‘So is your judgment. You have decided.’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone.' And the king of Israel said unto him: 'So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass, that thy servant looked round this way and that way, and the man was gone. And the king of Israel said to him, Behold, thou hast also destroyed snares set for me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Prophet Reproves Ahab…39As the king passed by, he cried out to the king: “Your servant had marched out into the middle of the battle, when suddenly a man came over with a captive and told me, ‘Guard this man! If he goes missing for any reason, your life will be exchanged for his life, or you will weigh out a talent of silver.’ 40But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” 41Then the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.… Cross References But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” / “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. / But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 12:42-46 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. … Ezekiel 33:6-8 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ / As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. And the king of Israel said to him, 2 Samuel 12:1-7 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. … 2 Samuel 14:4-12 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” / “What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. / And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. … 1 Kings 3:16-28 At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. … “So shall your judgment be; Matthew 7:2 For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 19:22 His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Romans 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. you have pronounced it on yourself.” Job 15:6 Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you. Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Proverbs 6:2 if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, Matthew 25:24-30 Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. … Luke 19:20-24 Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth. / For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ / His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? … Matthew 18:23-35 Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. / As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents was brought to him. / Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. … Luke 12:47-48 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded. Treasury of Scripture And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said to him, So shall your judgment be; yourself have decided it. Because 1 Kings 20:34 And Benhadad said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then said Ahab, I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away. 1 Kings 22:31-37 But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel… 1 Samuel 15:9-11 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly… thy life shall go 1 Kings 22:31-37 But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel… 2 Kings 6:24 And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. 2 Kings 8:12 And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child. Jump to Previous Busy Decided Decision Determined Disappeared Hither Israel It' Judgment Pronounced Responsible Right Sentence Servant Thither Thyself Turning Way WorkingJump to Next Busy Decided Decision Determined Disappeared Hither Israel It' Judgment Pronounced Responsible Right Sentence Servant Thither Thyself Turning Way Working1 Kings 20 1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria13. 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 But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared. This phrase is part of a parable told by a prophet to King Ahab of Israel. The context is a disguised prophet delivering a message from God after Ahab's victory over Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. The "servant" represents Ahab, who was given a task by God to destroy Ben-Hadad but failed to do so. The phrase "busy here and there" suggests distraction and negligence, highlighting Ahab's failure to fulfill God's command. This reflects a broader biblical theme where leaders are held accountable for their actions, as seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where servants are judged based on their stewardship. And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” Persons / Places / Events 1. The King of IsraelThis refers to King Ahab, who was the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel during this time. He is known for his idolatry and conflicts with the prophet Elijah. 2. The Prophet Although not named in this specific verse, the prophet is part of a group of prophets who are delivering a message from God to King Ahab. This prophet uses a parable to convey God's judgment. 3. The Man In the parable, the "man" represents Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, whom Ahab had released contrary to God's command. 4. The Battle The context of this verse is a series of battles between Israel and Aram, where God delivered Aram into Ahab's hands, but Ahab disobeyed God's command by sparing Ben-Hadad. 5. The Disguise The prophet disguises himself to deliver a message to Ahab, using a parable to reveal Ahab's failure to obey God's command. Teaching Points Accountability to God's CommandsJust as Ahab was held accountable for his actions, we are responsible for obeying God's commands in our lives. The Consequences of Disobedience Disobedience to God can lead to self-pronounced judgment, as seen in Ahab's response to the prophet's parable. The Importance of Vigilance The phrase "busy here and there" warns us about the dangers of distraction and neglecting our spiritual responsibilities. God's Sovereignty in Judgment God's judgments are just and often use our own words and actions to reveal our hearts. The Role of Prophets and Parables Prophets often use parables to communicate deeper truths, challenging us to reflect on our own lives and actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 20:40?2. How does 1 Kings 20:40 illustrate the consequences of neglecting God-given responsibilities? 3. What can we learn about accountability from the man's excuse in 1 Kings 20:40? 4. How does this verse connect with Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25? 5. In what ways can we avoid distractions that lead to spiritual negligence today? 6. How should Christians prioritize their duties to align with God's expectations? 7. What is the significance of the parable in 1 Kings 20:40 for personal responsibility? 8. How does 1 Kings 20:40 illustrate the consequences of disobedience? 9. What historical context surrounds the events leading to 1 Kings 20:40? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20? 11. Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20? 12. How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)? 13. Does the claim that 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers were struck down in one day align with any historical or archaeological data (1 Kings 20:29)? 14. In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise? What Does 1 Kings 20:40 Mean Context• Chapter 20 recounts how the LORD gave Ahab two miraculous victories over Ben-Hadad of Aram, yet Ahab released the pagan king instead of putting him to death as God had ordered (compare vv. 13–34 with Deuteronomy 20:16–18). • A prophet, disguised as a wounded soldier, stages a parable before Ahab. His story mirrors Ahab’s failure: just as the “soldier” let a captive escape, so Ahab let Ben-Hadad go. “But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” • The prophet’s invented excuse—busyness—highlights careless disobedience. He was not overtly rebellious; he was simply distracted. Proverbs 24:30-34 warns how neglect, not outright defiance, leads to ruin. • Scripture often exposes the danger of letting legitimate activities crowd out explicit obedience (Luke 14:18-20; Haggai 1:2-4; Hebrews 2:1). • The missing prisoner symbolizes Ben-Hadad, whom Ahab treated as a political ally instead of the enemy God had placed under a ban (1 Kings 20:34). “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” • Without realizing, Ahab issues his own sentence, paralleling David’s self-condemnation when Nathan told the lamb parable (2 Samuel 12:5-7). • Divine justice often turns human words back upon the speaker (Matthew 12:37; Titus 3:11). • By royal decree Ahab affirms the standard: life for life or a heavy ransom (Exodus 21:23; Joshua 9:20); therefore, when the prophet reveals his identity (v. 41), Ahab stands condemned by his own mouth. Practical Application • God’s commands are never optional, even when political gain or personal convenience seems more attractive (Acts 5:29). • Busyness can become disobedience when it diverts us from clear duties—whether guarding a captive or holding a godless influence in check (Ephesians 5:15-17). • Our words reveal our accountability; careless judgments about others can expose the very standards by which God will judge us (Romans 2:1). Summary 1 Kings 20:40 shows a prophet using a vivid parable to make Ahab unwittingly condemn himself. The verse warns that distraction is no excuse for disregarding God’s explicit instructions, and that our own judgments can return to us when we fail to submit to His Word. Verse 40. - And as thy servant was busy [Heb. doing. The LXX. περιεβλέψατο ὁ δοῦλός σου, and the Vulgate dum ego turbatus hue illucque me verterem, have led some critics to urge the substitution of פֹּגֶה turning, or שֹׁעֶה looking, for עֹשֵׂה doing, in the text. But no alteration is needed] here and there [or hither and thither - the ה is generally local - as in Joshua 8:20. But sometimes it is merely demonstrative, "here and there," as in Genesis 21:29, Daniel 12:5, and so it may be understood here (Gesenius)], he was gone [Heb. he is not]. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. [Cf. 2 Samuel 12:5-7, Ahab has himself pronounced that his judgment is just, and what it shall be.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But while your servantעַבְדְּךָ֗ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant was וַיְהִ֣י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be busy עֹשֵׂ֥ה (‘ō·śêh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 6213: To do, make here הֵ֛נָּה (hên·nāh) Adverb Strong's 2008: Hither, thither and there, וָהֵ֖נָּה (wā·hên·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 2008: Hither, thither [the man] וְה֣וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are disappeared.” אֵינֶ֑נּוּ (’ê·nen·nū) Adverb | third person masculine singular Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle And the king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to him, אֵלָ֧יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “So כֵּ֥ן (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus [shall] your judgment [be]; מִשְׁפָּטֶ֖ךָ (miš·pā·ṭe·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style you have pronounced it חָרָֽצְתָּ׃ (ḥā·rā·ṣə·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 2782: To point sharply, to wound, to be alert, to decide on yourself.” אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you Links 1 Kings 20:40 NIV1 Kings 20:40 NLT 1 Kings 20:40 ESV 1 Kings 20:40 NASB 1 Kings 20:40 KJV 1 Kings 20:40 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 20:40 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 20:40 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 20:40 French Bible 1 Kings 20:40 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 20:40 As your servant was busy here (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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