1 Kings 22:24 Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, "Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?"

◄ 1 Kings 22:24 ►

New International Version
Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah went up and slapped Micaiah in the face. “Which way did the spirit from the LORD go when he went from me to speak to you?” he asked.

New Living Translation
Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him across the face. “Since when did the Spirit of the LORD leave me to speak to you?” he demanded.

English Standard Version
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?”

King James Bible
But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

New King James Version
Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit from the LORD go from me to speak to you?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah approached and struck Micaiah on the cheek; and he said, “How did the Spirit of the LORD pass from me to speak to you?”

NASB 1995
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the LORD pass from me to speak to you?”

NASB 1977
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the LORD pass from me to speak to you?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of Yahweh pass from me to speak to you?”

Amplified Bible
But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah approached and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the LORD pass from me to speak to you?”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah came up, hit Micaiah on the cheek, and demanded, “Did the Spirit of the LORD leave me to speak to you? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah came up, hit Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Did the Spirit of the LORD leave me to speak to you?”

American Standard Version
Then 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?

Contemporary English Version
Zedekiah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him on the face. Then he asked, "Do you really think the LORD would speak to you and not to me?"

English Revised Version
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah, went to Micaiah and struck him on the cheek. "How did the LORD's Spirit leave me to talk to you?" he asked.

Good News Translation
Then the prophet Zedekiah went up to Micaiah, slapped his face, and asked, "Since when did the LORD's spirit leave me and speak to you?"

International Standard Version
Right then, Chenaanah's son Zedekiah approached Micaiah and struck him on the cheek. Then he asked him, "How did the Spirit of the LORD move from me to speak to you?"

Majority Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?”

NET Bible
Zedekiah son of Kenaanah approached, hit Micaiah on the jaw, and said, "Which way did the LORD's spirit go when he went from me to speak to you?"

New Heart English Bible
Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah came near, and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, "Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?"

Webster's Bible Translation
But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak to thee?

World English Bible
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way did Yahweh’s Spirit go from me to speak to you?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Zedekiah son of Chenaanah draws near and strikes Micaiah on the cheek, and says, “Where [is] this [that] the spirit [from] YHWH has passed over from me to speak with you?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Zedekiah son of Chenaanah draweth nigh, and smiteth Micaiah on the cheek, and saith, 'Where is this -- he hath passed over -- the Spirit of Jehovah -- from me to speak with thee?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah will come near, and strike Micaiah upon the cheek, saying, Where passed the spirit of Jehovah from me to speak to thee?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Sedecias the son of Chanaana came, and struck Micheas on the cheek, and said: Hath then the spirit of the Lord left me, and spoken to thee?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Zedekiah, the son of Chenaanah, drew near and struck Micaiah on the jaw, and he said, “So then, has the Spirit of the Lord left me, and spoken to you?”

New American Bible
Thereupon Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah, came up and struck Micaiah on the cheek, saying, “Has the spirit of the LORD, then, left me to speak with you?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah came up to Micaiah, slapped him on the cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit of the LORD pass from me to speak to you?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But Zedekiah the son of the Canaanitish woman went near and struck Micah on his cheek and said to him, Which way has the Spirit of the LORD departed from me and spoken to you?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Tsedeqia son of a Canaanitess came near and struck Mika on the cheek and said to him: “Where passed The Spirit of LORD JEHOVAH from me and has spoken in you?”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah on the check, and said: 'Which way went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Sedekias the son of Chanaan came near and smote Michaias on the cheek, and said, What sort of a spirit of the Lord has spoken in thee?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
…23So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” 24Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?” 25Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Chronicles 18:23
Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?”

Jeremiah 20:2
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Acts 23:2
At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.

Matthew 26:67-68
Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him / and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit You?”

Mark 14:65
Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.

Luke 22:63-64
The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him and beat Him. / They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, “Prophesy! Who hit You?”

John 18:22
When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?”

John 19:3
And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.

Micah 5:1
Now, O daughter of troops, mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel.

Isaiah 50:6
I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

Job 16:10
They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join together against me.

Lamentations 3:30
Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.

Amos 7:12-13
And Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. / But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.”

Jeremiah 28:10-11
Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke it. / And in the presence of all the people Hananiah proclaimed, “This is what the LORD says: ‘In this way, within two years I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations.’” At this, Jeremiah the prophet went on his way.

Acts 4:1-3
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. / They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.

Treasury of Scripture

But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak to you?

Zedekiah

1 Kings 22:11
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.

smote Micaiah

2 Chronicles 18:23,24
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? …

Isaiah 50:5,6
The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back…

Lamentations 3:30
He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

Which way

Jeremiah 28:10,11
Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it…

Jeremiah 29:26,27
The LORD hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the LORD, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks…

Matthew 26:68
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Jump to Previous

Blow Check Cheek Chenaanah Chena'anah Draweth Face Kenaanah Micah Micaiah Micai'ah Nigh Passed Side Slapped Smote Speak Spirit Struck Way Word Zedekiah Zedeki'ah

Jump to Next

Blow Check Cheek Chenaanah Chena'anah Draweth Face Kenaanah Micah Micaiah Micai'ah Nigh Passed Side Slapped Smote Speak Spirit Struck Way Word Zedekiah Zedeki'ah

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

Berean Study Bible

Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah
Zedekiah, whose name means "Yahweh is righteousness," is identified as the son of Chenaanah. This introduction sets the stage for a confrontation between two prophetic voices. Zedekiah represents the false prophets who were numerous in Israel at the time, often leading the people astray. His lineage, "son of Chenaanah," may suggest a background of influence or authority, yet it contrasts with the true prophetic voice of Micaiah. Historically, false prophets were often in the service of the king, seeking favor rather than truth.

went up
The phrase "went up" indicates a deliberate action, suggesting Zedekiah's boldness and confidence in confronting Micaiah. This movement is not just physical but symbolic of the arrogance and presumption of false prophets who elevate themselves against God's true messengers. In the context of ancient Israel, such confrontations were not uncommon, as prophets often faced opposition from those in power.

struck Micaiah in the face
This act of violence is significant, as striking someone in the face was a grave insult and a challenge to their authority. It reflects the hostility that true prophets often faced when delivering messages that contradicted the desires of the powerful. Micaiah, whose name means "Who is like Yahweh?" stands firm in his conviction, embodying the courage required to speak God's truth despite opposition. This moment foreshadows the suffering that many prophets, and ultimately Christ, would endure for the sake of truth.

and demanded
Zedekiah's demand is not a genuine inquiry but a rhetorical challenge. It reveals his disbelief and scorn for Micaiah's prophecy. In the Hebrew context, demands like this were often used to assert dominance and discredit the opponent. This reflects the broader spiritual battle between truth and deception, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go from me
Zedekiah's question is laden with irony and self-deception. He assumes possession of the Spirit of the LORD, yet his actions and words reveal a disconnect from God's truth. The "Spirit of the LORD" in Hebrew thought is the divine presence and power that inspires true prophecy. Zedekiah's claim to it is a stark contrast to the reality of his false prophecies. This highlights the danger of presumption and the importance of discernment in spiritual matters.

to speak to you?
The challenge here is direct and personal. Zedekiah questions Micaiah's authority and the authenticity of his message. This reflects a common theme in the Bible where God's true messengers are often doubted and ridiculed. Micaiah's steadfastness in the face of such questioning serves as an inspiration for believers to hold fast to God's truth, even when it is unpopular or contested. The phrase underscores the tension between human authority and divine revelation, a central theme in the prophetic tradition.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(24) Smote Micaiah on the cheek.--The act is not only the expression of contempt (see Isaiah 1:6; Micah 5:1; Matthew 5:39), but of professed indignation at words of blasphemy against God, or of contempt for His vicegerents; as is seen clearly, when it is recorded as directed against Our Lord or against St. Paul (John 18:22-23; Acts 23:2). The words which accompany it evidently convey a sarcastic reference to the knowledge of the secret dealings of God, implied in Micaiah's vision, with a view to turn it into ridicule. Micaiah's answer accordingly passes them by, and merely declares the shame and terror, with which Zedekiah shall find out hereafter the truth of the prophecy of evil. Josephus has a curious addition, that Zedekiah challenged Micaiah to wither up his hand, like the hand of Jeroboam at Bethel, and scouted his prophecy as inconsistent with that of Elijah (Antt. viii. 15, ? 4).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 24. - But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah [Rawlinson holds that he was a sort of coryphaeus of the false prophets. It is more probable that, having put himself forward on a former occasion (ver. 11), he now feels specially aggrieved at Micaiah's blunt assertion, that he and the rest have been possessed by a spirit of lies] went near, and smote Micaiah [A thoroughly natural touch. But the whole narrative has every mark of naturalness and veracity. It is easy to see how enraged Zedekiah would be at the slight cast upon his prophetic powers. Apparently this gross indignity elicited no protest or word of displeasure from either of the kings. Micaiah, like Elijah, was left alone], on the cheek [cf. Job 16:10; Lamentations 3:30; Luke 6:29; and above all Matthew 26:67; Luke 22:64; Acts 23:2. Herein Micaiah had "the fellowship of sufferings" (Philippians 3:10) with our blessed Lord. Rawlinson thinks that his hands would be bound, but this is extremely improbable. In that case Ahab could hardly have asked him to prophesy (ver. 15), or if he did, Jehoshaphat would know beforehand what to expect], and said, Which way [Heb. What, or where. The chronicler supplies "way," thereby bringing the expression into unison with 1 Kings 13:12; 2 Kings 3:8; Job 38:24] went [Heb. passed, crossed, עָבַר] the Spirit of the Lord [These words are important, as showing that the speaker had not identified "the spirit" of ver. 21 with the evil spirit: Job 1:6 sqq.] from me to speak unto thee? [It is pretty clear from these words, in connexion with ver. 23, that Zedekiah had been conscious of an inspiration, of a spirit not his own, which impelled him to speak and act as he did. We must not attach too much import-ante to a taunting and passionate speech, but its meaning appears to be: I have spoken in the name and by the spirit of Jehovah. Thou claimest to have done the same. How is it that the Spirit of God speaks one thing by me, another by thee? Thou hast seen (ver. 19) the secret counsels of Heaven. Tell us, then, which way, etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then Zedekiah
צִדְקִיָּ֣הוּ (ṣiḏ·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6667: Zedekiah -- 'Yah is righteousness', six Israelites

son
בֶֽן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Chenaanah
כְּנַעֲנָ֔ה (kə·na·‘ă·nāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3668: Chenaanah -- two Israelites

went up,
וַיִּגַּשׁ֙ (way·yig·gaš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

struck
וַיַּכֶּ֥ה (way·yak·keh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

Micaiah
מִיכָ֖יְהוּ (mî·ḵā·yə·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4321: Micaiah -- 'Who is like Yah?' three Israelites

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

the face,
הַלֶּ֑חִי (hal·le·ḥî)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3895: The cheek, the jaw-bone

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

“Which way
אֵי־ (’ê-)
Interrogative
Strong's 335: Where?, how?

did the Spirit
רֽוּחַ־ (rū·aḥ-)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

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

when He departed
עָבַ֧ר (‘ā·ḇar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

from me
מֵאִתִּ֖י (mê·’it·tî)
Preposition-m | Direct object marker | first person common singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

to speak
לְדַבֵּ֥ר (lə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to you?”
אוֹתָֽךְ׃ (’ō·w·ṯāḵ)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

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OT History: 1 Kings 22:24 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)