1 Kings 22:6 So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, "Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?" "Go up," they replied, "and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king."

◄ 1 Kings 22:6 ►

New International Version
So the king of Israel brought together the prophets—about four hundred men—and asked them, “Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” “Go,” they answered, “for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand.”

New Living Translation
So the king of Israel summoned the prophets, about 400 of them, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?” They all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory.”

English Standard Version
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”

Berean Standard Bible
So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

King James Bible
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

New King James Version
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to fight, or shall I refrain?” So they said, “Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

New American Standard Bible
So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Should I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead or should I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will hand it over to the king.”

NASB 1995
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”

NASB 1977
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”

Amplified Bible
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or should I not?” And they said, “Go up, for the LORD has handed it over to the king.”

Christian Standard Bible
So the king of Israel gathered the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go against Ramoth-gilead for war or should I refrain? ” They replied, “March up, and the Lord will hand it over to the king.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the king of Israel gathered the prophets, about 400 men, and asked them, “Should I go against Ramoth-gilead for war or should I refrain?” They replied, “March up, and the Lord will hand it over to the king.”

American Standard Version
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.

Contemporary English Version
Ahab sent for about 400 prophets and asked, "Should I attack the Syrians at Ramoth?" "Yes!" the prophets answered. "The Lord will help you defeat them."

English Revised Version
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So the king of Israel called 400 prophets together. He asked them, "Should I go to war against Ramoth in Gilead or not?" "Go," they said. "The Lord will hand over Ramoth to you."

Good News Translation
So Ahab called in the prophets, about four hundred of them, and asked them, "Should I go and attack Ramoth, or not?" "Attack it," they answered. "The Lord will give you victory."

International Standard Version
So the king of Israel called in about 400 prophets and asked them, "Should we go attack Ramoth-gilead, or should I call off the attack?" "Go attack them," they all said, "because the Lord will drop them right into the king's hand!"

Majority Standard Bible
So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, ?Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?? ?Go up,? they replied, ?and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.?

NET Bible
So the king of Israel assembled about four hundred prophets and asked them, "Should I attack Ramoth Gilead or not?" They said, "Attack! The sovereign one will hand it over to the king."

New Heart English Bible
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, "Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?" They said, "Go up; for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and said to them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.

World English Bible
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Should I go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or should I refrain?” They said, “Go up; for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the king of Israel gathers the prophets, about four hundred men, and says to them, “Do I go to battle against Ramoth-Gilead, or do I refrain?” And they say, “Go up, and the Lord gives [it] into the hand of the king.”

Young's Literal Translation
and the king of Israel gathereth the prophets, about four hundred men, and saith unto them, 'Do I go against Ramoth-Gilead to battle, or do I forbear?' and they say, 'Go up, and the Lord doth give it into the hand of the king.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king of Israel will gather together the prophets, about four hundred men, and he will say to them. Shall I go to Ramoth-Gilead to war, or shall I desist? and they will say, Go up; and Jehovah will give into the hand of the king.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and he said to them: Shall I go to Ramoth Galaad to fight, or shall I forbear? They answered: Go up, and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the king of Israel gathered together the prophets, about four hundred men, and he said to them, “Should I go to Ramoth Gilead to make war, or should I be at peace?” They responded, “Ascend, and the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”

New American Bible
The king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred of them, and asked, “Shall I go to fight against Ramoth-gilead or shall I refrain?” They said, “Attack. The Lord will give it into the power of the king.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred of them, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” They said, “Go up; for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, Shall I go to Ramath-gilead to battle or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD will deliver the Arameans into the hand of the king.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King of Israel gathered the Prophets, about four hundred men, and said to them: “Shall I go to Ramath Gelad for battle, or shall I stay?” They said to him: “Go up and LORD JEHOVAH is delivering them into your hands, Oh King!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them: 'Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?' And they said: 'Go up; for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king of Israel gathered all the prophets together, about four hundred men; and the king said to them, Shall I go up to Remmath Galaad to battle, or shall I forbear? and they said, Go up, and the Lord will surely give it into the hands of the king.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Ahab and the False Prophets
…5But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” 6So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” 7But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Chronicles 18:5
So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:3
This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.

Micah 3:5
This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:

Jeremiah 14:14
“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.

Ezekiel 22:28
Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken.

Deuteronomy 18:20
But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”

Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

Isaiah 30:10
They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.

Jeremiah 6:14
They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

Treasury of Scripture

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

the prophets together

1 Kings 18:19
Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Go up

1 Kings 22:15,22,23
So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king…

2 Chronicles 18:14
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

Jump to Previous

Assembled Battle Deliver Forbear Four Gathered Gilead Hand Hundred Israel Prophets Ramoth Ramothgilead Ramoth-Gilead Refrain Together War

Jump to Next

Assembled Battle Deliver Forbear Four Gathered Gilead Hand Hundred Israel Prophets Ramoth Ramothgilead Ramoth-Gilead Refrain Together War

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

So the king of Israel gathered the prophets
The phrase "the king of Israel" refers to Ahab, a ruler known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of Yahweh. The gathering of "the prophets" here is significant; these are not prophets of Yahweh but rather court prophets who likely served Baal or other deities. Historically, kings often surrounded themselves with prophets who would affirm their desires, reflecting a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where rulers sought divine approval for their plans.

about four hundred men
The number "four hundred" is symbolic of completeness and abundance in the Hebrew context. This large number of prophets suggests a significant attempt by Ahab to legitimize his decision through overwhelming prophetic support. It also contrasts with the solitary true prophet of Yahweh, Micaiah, highlighting the tension between true and false prophecy.

and asked them, 'Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?'
The location "Ramoth-gilead" was a strategically important city east of the Jordan River, historically contested between Israel and Aram (Syria). Ahab's inquiry reflects a common practice of seeking divine guidance before military campaigns. However, the phrasing of the question suggests Ahab's desire for affirmation rather than genuine guidance, as he likely already intended to go to war.

'Go,' they replied, 'for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.'
The response "Go" is immediate and unanimous, indicating the prophets' eagerness to please Ahab. The use of "the Lord" (Yahweh) is ironic, as these prophets do not truly speak for Yahweh. Their assurance that "the Lord will deliver it" is a false prophecy, contrasting with the true word of Yahweh delivered later by Micaiah. This highlights the danger of seeking counsel that aligns with personal desires rather than divine truth.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Prophets . . . four hundred.--These were clearly not avowed prophets of Baal, or the Asherah ("groves"), as is obvious from the context and from their words in 1Kings 22:12. But Jehoshaphat's discontent makes it equally clear that they were not in his view true prophets of Jehovah. Probably they were devoted, like the old prophet of Bethel, to the service of the idolatry of Jeroboam.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets [Called by Micaiah "his prophets" (ver. 22), and "thy prophets" (ver. 23)] together, about four hundred men [From the number (cf. 1 Kings 18:19) it has been concluded that these were "the prophets of the groves," i.e., of Astarte, who escaped the massacre of the Baal prophets (1 Kings 18:40). Others have supposed that they were prophets of Baal. But both these suppositions are negatived

(1) by the fact that Jehoshaphat asks Ahab to "inquire at the word of Jehovah," and

(2) that these prophets profess to speak in the name and by the Spirit of Jehovah (vers. 11, 12, 24). Moreover

(3) Ahab would hardly have insulted Jehoshaphat by bringing the prophets of Baal or Astarte before him (Waterland in Wordsworth). And yet that they were not true prophets of the Lord, or of the" sons of the prophets," appears . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So the king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

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

assembled
וַיִּקְבֹּ֨ץ (way·yiq·bōṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6908: To gather, collect

the prophets,
הַנְּבִיאִים֮ (han·nə·ḇî·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

about four
כְּאַרְבַּ֣ע (kə·’ar·ba‘)
Preposition-k | Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 702: Four

hundred
מֵא֣וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

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

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

“Should I go
הַאֵלֵ֞ךְ (ha·’ê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to war
לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

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

Ramoth-gilead,
רָמֹ֥ת (rā·mōṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7433: Ramoth-gilead -- a city East of the Jordan

or
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

should I refrain?”
אֶחְדָּ֑ל (’eḥ·dāl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle

“Go up,”
עֲלֵ֔ה (‘ă·lêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

they replied,
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“and the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

will deliver [it]
וְיִתֵּ֥ן (wə·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

into the hand
בְּיַ֥ד (bə·yaḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of the king.”
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Links

1 Kings 22:6 NIV
1 Kings 22:6 NLT
1 Kings 22:6 ESV
1 Kings 22:6 NASB
1 Kings 22:6 KJV

1 Kings 22:6 BibleApps.com
1 Kings 22:6 Biblia Paralela
1 Kings 22:6 Chinese Bible
1 Kings 22:6 French Bible
1 Kings 22:6 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Kings 22:6 Then the king of Israel gathered (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)