1 Kings 14:5 But the LORD had said to Ahijah, "Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill. You are to say such and such to her, because when she arrives, she will be disguised."

◄ 1 Kings 14:5 ►

New International Version
But the LORD had told Ahijah, “Jeroboam’s wife is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill, and you are to give her such and such an answer. When she arrives, she will pretend to be someone else.”

New Living Translation
But the LORD had told Ahijah, “Jeroboam’s wife will come here, pretending to be someone else. She will ask you about her son, for he is very sick. Give her the answer I give you.”

English Standard Version
And the LORD said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. Thus and thus shall you say to her.” When she came, she pretended to be another woman.

Berean Standard Bible
But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill. You are to say such and such to her, because when she arrives, she will be disguised.”

King James Bible
And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.

New King James Version
Now the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Here is the wife of Jeroboam, coming to ask you something about her son, for he is sick. Thus and thus you shall say to her; for it will be, when she comes in, that she will pretend to be another woman.”

New American Standard Bible
Now the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you about her son, because he is sick. You shall say such and such to her, for it will be when she arrives, that she is going to make herself unrecognizable.”

NASB 1995
Now the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. You shall say thus and thus to her, for it will be when she arrives that she will pretend to be another woman.”

NASB 1977
Now the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. You shall say thus and thus to her, for it will be when she arrives that she will pretend to be another woman.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Yahweh had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. You shall say thus and thus to her, for it will be when she arrives that she will pretend to be another woman.”

Amplified Bible
And the LORD said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you about her son, because he is sick. You shall say such and such to her, for when she arrives, she will pretend to be another woman.”

Christian Standard Bible
But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Jeroboam’s wife is coming soon to ask you about her son, for he is sick. You are to say such and such to her. When she arrives, she will be disguised.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Jeroboam’s wife is coming soon to ask you about her son, for he is sick. You are to say such and such to her. When she arrives, she will be disguised.”

American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to inquire of thee concerning her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her; for it will be, when she cometh in, that she will feign herself to be another woman.

Contemporary English Version
but the LORD told him, "Jeroboam's wife is coming to ask about her son. I will tell you what to say to her." Jeroboam's wife came to Ahijah's house, pretending to be someone else.

English Revised Version
And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to inquire of thee concerning her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, the LORD had told Ahijah, "Jeroboam's wife is coming to ask you about her son who is sick. When she comes, she will pretend to be someone else." He also told Ahijah what to say to her.

Good News Translation
The LORD had told him that Jeroboam's wife was coming to ask him about her son, who was sick. And the LORD told Ahijah what to say. When Jeroboam's wife arrived, she pretended to be someone else.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, the LORD had spoken to Ahijah, "Be on your guard! Jeroboam's wife is coming to ask you about her son, because he is ill. You're to say such and such to her. When she arrives, she will pretend to be someone else!"

Majority Standard Bible
But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill. You are to say such and such to her, because when she arrives, she will be disguised.”

NET Bible
But the LORD had told Ahijah, "Look, Jeroboam's wife is coming to find out from you what will happen to her son, for he is sick. Tell her so-and-so. When she comes, she will be in a disguise."

New Heart English Bible
The LORD said to Ahijah, "Look, the wife of Jeroboam comes to inquire of you concerning her son; for he is sick. Thus and thus you shall tell her; for it will be, when she comes in, that she will pretend to be another woman."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD said to Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say to her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she will feign herself to be another woman.

World English Bible
Yahweh said to Ahijah, “Behold, Jeroboam’s wife is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. Tell her such and such; for it will be, when she comes in, that she will pretend to be another woman.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And YHWH said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to seek a word from you concerning her son, for he is sick; thus and thus you speak to her, and it comes to pass at her coming in, that she is making herself strange.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah said unto Ahijah, 'Lo, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to seek a word from thee concerning her son, for he is sick; thus and thus thou dost speak unto her, and it cometh to pass at her coming in, that she is making herself strange.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah said to Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam coming to seek word from thee for her son, for he was sick: according this and according to this shalt thou speak to her: and it will be as she comes, and she dissembles.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord said to Ahias: Behold the wife of Jeroboam cometh in, to consult thee concerning her son that is sick: thus and thus shalt thou speak to her. So when she was coming in, and made as if she were another woman,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the Lord said to Ahijah: “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam enters, so that she may consult you over her son, who is ill. You shall say one thing and another to her.” Therefore, as she was entering, not presenting herself to be who she was,

New American Bible
But the LORD said to Ahijah: Jeroboam’s wife is coming to consult you about her son, for he is sick. Thus and so you must tell her. When she comes, she will be in disguise.

New Revised Standard Version
But the LORD said to Ahijah, “The wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son; for he is sick. Thus and thus you shall say to her.” When she came, she pretended to be another woman.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the LORD said to Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to you, to ask word of you concerning her son, for he is sick; thus and thus shall you say to her; for it shall be, when she comes in, behold, she has disguised herself.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH said to Akhiah: “Behold, the wife of Yorbaam has come to you to ask of you a word about his son who is sick. thus and so say to her, and when she comes in, behold she is disguised.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now the LORD had said unto Ahijah: 'Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to inquire of thee concerning her son; for he is sick; thus and thus shalt thou say unto her; for it will be, when she cometh in, that she will feign herself to be another woman.'

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam
…4Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose and went to Shiloh and arrived at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age. 5But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill. You are to say such and such to her, because when she arrives, she will be disguised.” 6So when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet entering the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you disguised? For I have been sent to you with bad news.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 9:15-16
Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel, / “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

2 Kings 6:12
But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

2 Kings 4:27
When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”

2 Kings 5:26
But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants?

1 Samuel 16:3
Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.”

1 Samuel 10:22
So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”

2 Kings 1:3
But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’

2 Kings 8:10
Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die.”

2 Kings 20:5
“Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD.

1 Samuel 9:19
“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.

1 Samuel 15:1
Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

2 Samuel 12:1
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.

2 Samuel 7:3
And Nathan replied to the king, “Go and do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”

2 Samuel 7:17
So Nathan relayed to David all the words of this entire revelation.

Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD said to Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam comes to ask a thing of you for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shall you say to her: for it shall be, when she comes in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.

the Lord

2 Kings 4:27
And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.

2 Kings 6:8-12
Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp…

Psalm 139:1-4
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me…

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1 Kings 14

1. Abijah being sick,
2. Jeroboam sends his wife, disguised, with presents to the prophet Ahijah
5. Ahijah forewarned by God, denounces God's judgment
17. Abijah dies, and is buried
19. Nadab succeeds Jeroboam
21. Rehoboam's wicked reign,
25. Shishak raids Jerusalem
29. Abijam succeeds Rehoboam

Berean Study Bible

But the LORD had said to Ahijah
This phrase underscores the divine communication between God and His prophets. The Hebrew root for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and omniscience. Ahijah, a prophet, serves as a conduit for God's will, highlighting the role of prophets in Israel as bearers of divine truth. This interaction reminds us of God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, guiding and directing through His chosen messengers.

Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming
The word "Behold" (Hebrew: "hinneh") is a call to attention, indicating the importance of the message. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is a significant figure whose reign is marked by idolatry and rebellion against God. His wife's approach to Ahijah signifies a moment of desperation and the seeking of divine insight, reflecting the human tendency to turn to God in times of crisis.

to ask you about her son, for he is ill
This phrase reveals the personal and familial dimension of the narrative. The illness of Jeroboam's son is a catalyst for the unfolding events, illustrating how personal trials can lead individuals to seek divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "ill" (חלה, "chalah") can imply weakness or sickness, symbolizing the vulnerability of human life and the need for God's healing power.

You are to give her such and such an answer
This instruction from God to Ahijah indicates the specificity and certainty of divine revelation. The phrase "such and such" suggests that God has already determined the message, emphasizing His foreknowledge and the predetermined nature of His plans. It reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His purposes through His prophets.

When she arrives, she will be disguised
The act of disguise highlights themes of deception and concealment. Jeroboam's wife attempts to hide her identity, perhaps out of fear or shame, yet God reveals her intentions to Ahijah. This underscores the biblical truth that nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). It serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and the futility of attempting to conceal one's true self from Him. The narrative invites reflection on the importance of honesty and transparency before God, who sees and knows all.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - And the Lord said unto Ahijah [the attempted deceit was frustrated by a direct revelation, the same which disclosed the fate of the child. "God laughs in heaven at the frivolous fetches of crafty politicians" (Hall)]. Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son [or concerning אֶל, properly "to," ad, has the meaning of de, after verbs of speaking. Cf. Genesis 20:2; 1 Samuel 4:19, etc.; Jeremiah 40:16. Gesenius remarks on the similar use of εἰς in the New Testament: Acts 2:25; Ephesians 5:32]; for he is sick: thus and thus [cf. Judges 18:4; 2 Samuel 11:25. זֹה is a form of זלֺאת] shalt thou say unto her, for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman [Heb. make herself strange].

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But the LORD
וַיהוָ֞ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had said
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Ahijah,
אֲחִיָּ֗הוּ (’ă·ḥî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 281: Ahijah -- 'brother of Yah', an Israelite name

“Behold,
הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the wife
אֵ֣שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

of Jeroboam
יָרָבְעָ֡ם (yā·rā·ḇə·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3379: Jeroboam -- 'the people increase', the name of two Israelites kings

is coming
בָּאָ֣ה (bā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to ask
לִדְרֹשׁ֩ (liḏ·rōš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

you
מֵעִמְּךָ֤ (mê·‘im·mə·ḵā)
Preposition-m | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

about
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

her son,
בְּנָהּ֙ (bə·nāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
ה֔וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is ill.
חֹלֶ֣ה (ḥō·leh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick

You are to say
תְּדַבֵּ֣ר (tə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

such
כָּזֹ֥ה (kā·zōh)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2090: This, that

and such
וְכָזֶ֖ה (wə·ḵā·zeh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

to her,
אֵלֶ֑יהָ (’ê·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

because
וִיהִ֣י (wî·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

when she arrives,
כְבֹאָ֔הּ (ḵə·ḇō·’āh)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

she
וְהִ֖יא (wə·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will be disguised.”
מִתְנַכֵּרָֽה׃ (miṯ·nak·kê·rāh)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5234: To regard, recognize

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OT History: 1 Kings 14:5 Yahweh said to Ahijah Behold the wife (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)