1 Kings 22:21
New International Version
Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.’

New Living Translation
and finally a spirit approached the LORD and said, ‘I can do it!’

English Standard Version
Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, saying, ‘I will entice him.’

Berean Standard Bible
Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD.

King James Bible
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.

New King James Version
Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will persuade him.’

New American Standard Bible
Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’

NASB 1995
“Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.’

NASB 1977
“Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Then a spirit came forward and stood before Yahweh and said, ‘I will entice him.’

Amplified Bible
Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.’

Christian Standard Bible
“Then a spirit came forward, stood in the LORD’s presence, and said, ‘I will entice him.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’”

American Standard Version
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him.

Contemporary English Version
then finally a spirit came forward and said to the LORD, "I can trick Ahab." "How?" the LORD asked.

English Revised Version
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Then the Spirit stepped forward, stood in front of the LORD, and said, 'I will deceive him.' " 'How?' the LORD asked.

Good News Translation
until a spirit stepped forward, approached the LORD, and said, 'I will deceive him.'

International Standard Version
"But then a spirit approached, stood in front of the LORD, and said, 'I will entice him.'

Majority Standard Bible
Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD.

NET Bible
Then a spirit stepped forward and stood before the LORD. He said, 'I will deceive him.' The LORD asked him, 'How?'

New Heart English Bible
A spirit came out and stood before the LORD, and said, 'I will entice him.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.

World English Bible
A spirit came out and stood before Yahweh, and said, ‘I will entice him.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the spirit goes out and stands before YHWH, and says, I entice him; and YHWH says to him, By what?

Young's Literal Translation
'And the spirit goeth out, and standeth before Jehovah, and saith, I -- I do entice him; and Jehovah saith unto him, By what?

Smith's Literal Translation
And the spirit will go forth and stand before Jehovah, and he will say, I will deceive him. And Jehovah will say, By what?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said: I will deceive him. And the Lord said to him: By what means?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But then a spirit went out and stood before the Lord. And he said, ‘I will mislead him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’

New American Bible
until this spirit came forth and stood before the LORD, saying, ‘I will deceive him.’ The LORD asked: How?

New Revised Standard Version
until a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, saying, ‘I will entice him.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a spirit went out and stood before LORD JEHOVAH and said: “I will seduce him!” LORD JEHOVAH said to him: “With what?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And there came forth the spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said: I will entice him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there came forth a spirit and stood before the Lord, and said, I will deceive him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
20And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that. 21Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. 22And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’…

Cross References
Job 1:6-12
One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” ...

Job 2:1-7
On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” ...

2 Chronicles 18:20-22
Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. / And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

Zechariah 3:1-2
Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”

Revelation 12:9-10
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. / And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God.

Revelation 20:2-3
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. / And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.

Luke 22:31
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat.

Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...

Mark 1:12-13
At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, / and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him.

2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Acts 5:3
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?


Treasury of Scripture

And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.

1 Kings 22:23
Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.

Job 1:6,7
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them…

Job 2:1
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

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Entice Finally Forth Forward Persuade Spirit Standeth Stood Trick
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Entice Finally Forth Forward Persuade Spirit Standeth Stood Trick
1 Kings 22
1. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, by Michaiah's word, is slain at Ramoth Gilead
37. The dogs lick up his blood, and Ahaziah succeeds him
41. Jehoshaphat's good reign
45. His acts
46. Jehoram succeeds him
51. Ahaziah's evil reign














Then a spirit
The phrase "Then a spirit" introduces a mysterious and intriguing element into the narrative. In the Hebrew text, the word for "spirit" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can mean wind, breath, or spirit. This term is used throughout the Old Testament to denote not only the Spirit of God but also other spiritual beings. The context here suggests a spiritual being distinct from God, possibly an angel or a spirit under God's sovereign command. This highlights the biblical understanding of a spiritual realm that interacts with the physical world, emphasizing God's ultimate authority over all creation, including spiritual entities.

came forward
The action of "came forward" suggests a deliberate and purposeful movement. In the heavenly court scene depicted here, this spirit approaches God with intent. This phrase underscores the order and structure within the spiritual realm, where beings present themselves before God, awaiting His command or permission. It reflects the biblical theme of divine order and the submission of all spiritual beings to God's will, reinforcing the idea that nothing occurs outside of His sovereign oversight.

stood before the LORD
The phrase "stood before the LORD" indicates a position of readiness and service. In ancient Near Eastern culture, standing before a king or deity was a sign of respect and readiness to serve or receive instructions. This imagery conveys the spirit's acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and its willingness to act according to His divine plan. It serves as a reminder of the reverence and obedience owed to God by all His creation, both in heaven and on earth.

and said
The simple phrase "and said" introduces the spirit's proposal, highlighting the communicative relationship between God and His spiritual servants. This interaction suggests that God allows for dialogue and the presentation of ideas within His divine council. It reflects the biblical theme of God's openness to engage with His creation, allowing for the expression of will and intention, yet always within the boundaries of His sovereign purpose.

‘I will entice him.’
The declaration "I will entice him" reveals the spirit's intention to influence King Ahab. The Hebrew word for "entice" is "פָּתָה" (pathah), which can mean to persuade, deceive, or allure. This reflects the biblical narrative's acknowledgment of the reality of spiritual influence and temptation. However, it is crucial to understand that this occurs under God's permission, illustrating the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the need for discernment and reliance on God's wisdom and protection.

(21) A spirit.--It should be the spirit. The definite article is explained by some, perhaps rather weakly, as simply anticipatory of the description which follows. Others take the phrase to signify "the spirit of prophecy," a kind of emanation from the Godhead, looked upon as the medium of the prophetic inspiration, which is an expression conceivable, but certainly unprecedented. Perhaps without introducing into this passage the distinct idea of "the Satan," i.e., the enemy, which we find in Job 1, 2; 1Chronicles 21:1; Zechariah 3:1-2. it may be best to interpret it by the conception, common to all religions recognising the terrible existence of evil in the world, of a spiritual power of evil (called euphemistically, "the spirit") overruled to work out the judgments of God. The absolute subordination of such spirits of evil in every notice of them in the Old Testament precludes all danger of the monstrous dualism of so many Eastern religions. The reference of the power of divination to such spirits is found in the New Testament also. (See Acts 16:16-18.)

Verse 21. - And there came forth a spirit [Heb. the spirit. By some, especially of the earlier commentators, understood of the evil spirit. But the view now generally adopted (Thenius, Keil, Bahr) is that "the spirit of prophecy" is meant, "the power which, going forth from God and taking possession of a man, makes him a prophet (1 Samuel 10:6, 10; 1 Samuel 19:20, 23). The נָביא is the אִישׁ הָרוּחַ (Hosea 9:7)" Bahr. This power is here personified], and stood before the Lord, and said, I [emphatic in the Hebrew] will persuade [or entice] him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then a spirit
הָר֗וּחַ (hā·rū·aḥ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

came forward,
וַיֵּצֵ֣א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

stood
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ (way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

before
לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and said,
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘I
אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will entice him.’
אֲפַתֶּ֑נּוּ (’ă·p̄at·ten·nū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6601: To open, be, roomy, to be, simple, delude

‘By what means?’
בַּמָּֽה׃ (bam·māh)
Preposition-b | Interrogative
Strong's 3964: What

asked
אֵלָ֖יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the LORD.
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 1 Kings 22:21 There came forth a spirit and stood (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 22:20
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