1 Kings 22:16
New International Version
The king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

New Living Translation
But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the LORD?”

English Standard Version
But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

Berean Standard Bible
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

King James Bible
And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?

New King James Version
So the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

New American Standard Bible
Then the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear that you will tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

NASB 1995
Then the king said to him, “How many times must I adjure you to speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

NASB 1977
Then the king said to him, “How many times must I adjure you to speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear that you will speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh?”

Amplified Bible
But the king [doubted him and] said to him, “How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

Christian Standard Bible
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of Yahweh?”

American Standard Version
And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou speak unto me nothing but the truth in the name of Jehovah?

Contemporary English Version
"Micaiah, I've told you over and over to tell me the truth!" Ahab shouted. "What does the LORD really say?"

English Revised Version
And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou speak unto me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king asked him, "How many times must I make you take an oath in the LORD's name to tell me nothing but the truth?"

Good News Translation
But Ahab replied, "When you speak to me in the name of the LORD, tell the truth! How many times do I have to tell you that?"

International Standard Version
When he heard this, the king asked him, "How many times do I have to make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth? Now do it in the name of the LORD!"

Majority Standard Bible
But the king said to him, ?How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD??

NET Bible
The king said to him, "How many times must I make you solemnly promise in the name of the LORD to tell me only the truth?"

New Heart English Bible
The king said to him, "How many times do I have to adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?

World English Bible
The king said to him, “How many times do I have to adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in Yahweh’s name?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the king says to him, “How many times am I adjuring you that you speak nothing to me but truth in the Name of YHWH?”

Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith unto him, 'How many times am I adjuring thee that thou speak nothing unto me but truth in the name of Jehovah?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say to him, Till how many times do I cause thee to swear that thou wilt not speak to me only truth in the name of Jehovah?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the king said to him: I adjure thee again and again, that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the king said to him, “I require you under oath, again and again, that you not say to me anything except what is true, in the name of the Lord.”

New American Bible
But the king answered him, “How many times must I adjure you to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

New Revised Standard Version
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure you that you tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The King said to him: “How many times have I charged you that you will not speak to me, except only the truth in the name of LORD JEHOVAH?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king said unto him: 'How many times shall I adjure thee that thou speak unto me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to him, How often shall I adjure thee, that thou speak to me truth in the name of the Lord?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
15When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” 16But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” 17So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’ ”…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 18:15
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?”

Jeremiah 42:3-6
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” / “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers. I will not withhold a word from you.” / Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us. ...

Jeremiah 38:14-16
Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.” / “If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” / But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.”

Jeremiah 23:16-17
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. / They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’

Ezekiel 13:6-7
They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. / Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?

Micah 3:5-7
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: / Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. / Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.”

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 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.

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.

Jeremiah 14:13-14
“Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’” / “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.

Matthew 26:63-64
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” / “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Mark 14:61-62
But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” / “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

Luke 22:67-70
“If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. / And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. / But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” ...

John 18:37
“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”

Acts 23:1-5
Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” / At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. / Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure you that you tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?

shall I adjure

Joshua 6:26
And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.

1 Samuel 14:24
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

2 Chronicles 18:15
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?

that thou tell

Jeremiah 42:3-6
That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do…

Matthew 22:16,17
And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men…

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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














But the king said to him
This phrase refers to King Ahab of Israel, who is speaking to the prophet Micaiah. Ahab was the seventh king of Israel and is often remembered for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel. The context of this passage is a council of war where Ahab and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, are deciding whether to go to battle against Ramoth-gilead. Ahab's character is often contrasted with that of Jehoshaphat, who sought the counsel of the LORD.

“How many times must I make you swear
This indicates a repeated interaction between Ahab and Micaiah, suggesting a history of tension and mistrust. In ancient Israel, oaths and swearing were serious matters, often invoking the name of God to affirm truthfulness. Ahab's frustration may stem from Micaiah's previous prophecies, which likely did not align with Ahab's desires or plans.

not to tell me anything but the truth
Ahab's demand for truth is ironic, given his history of ignoring prophetic warnings. This reflects a common biblical theme where leaders seek validation rather than genuine divine guidance. The truth in biblical terms is often associated with God's word and His prophets, contrasting with false prophets who tell leaders what they want to hear.

in the name of the LORD?”
Invoking the name of the LORD (Yahweh) signifies the seriousness and sacredness of the oath. In the Old Testament, the name of the LORD is associated with His covenant relationship with Israel and His authority. This phrase underscores the tension between Ahab's superficial desire for truth and his unwillingness to heed God's true message. The use of the divine name also highlights the spiritual conflict between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatry promoted by Ahab and Jezebel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Ahab
The king of Israel, known for his idolatry and wickedness, who seeks counsel about going to war against Ramoth-gilead.

2. Micaiah
A prophet of the LORD who is known for speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

3. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah, who allies with Ahab and insists on seeking the counsel of a true prophet of the LORD.

4. Ramoth-gilead
A city in the territory of Gad, east of the Jordan River, which is the subject of the military campaign.

5. False Prophets
A group of prophets who falsely assure Ahab of victory, contrasting with Micaiah's truthful prophecy.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Truth
Micaiah's commitment to speaking the truth, even under pressure, underscores the importance of truth in our lives. As believers, we are called to uphold truth in all circumstances.

Discernment in Leadership
Ahab's reliance on false prophets contrasts with Jehoshaphat's desire for a true word from the LORD. Leaders must seek and value truth, especially when making significant decisions.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Micaiah's willingness to stand alone against the majority teaches us the value of courage and integrity when standing for God's truth.

The Consequences of Ignoring God's Word
Ahab's disregard for Micaiah's prophecy leads to his downfall, illustrating the dangers of ignoring God's warnings and guidance.

Seeking God's Counsel
Like Jehoshaphat, we should prioritize seeking God's counsel through prayer and His Word, especially when faced with important decisions.Verse 16. - And the king said unto him How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord? [Rawlinson concludes from these words that "this mocking manner was familiar to Micaiah, who had used it in some former dealing with the Israelite monarch." But we must remember that Ahab's words were really addressed to Jehoshaphat. He is so manifestly playing a part, that we need not assume that he is strictly truthful. His great desire evidently is to discredit Micah's predictions, which he clearly perceives, from the bitter and ironical tone of the latter, will be adverse to him.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

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

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

“How many
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

times
פְעָמִ֖ים (p̄ə·‘ā·mîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

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

make you swear
מַשְׁבִּעֶ֑ךָ (maš·bi·‘e·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to tell
תְדַבֵּ֥ר (ṯə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

me anything but
רַק־ (raq-)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

the truth
אֱמֶ֖ת (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

in the name
בְּשֵׁ֥ם (bə·šêm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the LORD?”
יְהוָֽה׃ (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 22:16 The king said to him How many (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 22:15
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