2 Chronicles 18:14
New International Version
When he arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I not?” “Attack and be victorious,” he answered, “for they will be given into your hand.”

New Living Translation
When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?” Micaiah replied sarcastically, “Yes, go up and be victorious, for you will have victory over them!”

English Standard Version
And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” And he answered, “Go up and triumph; they will be given into your hand.”

Berean Standard Bible
When 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 they will be given into your hand.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then he came to the king; and the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” And he said, “Go and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand!”

New American Standard Bible
When he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, should we go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” He said, “Go up and succeed, for they will be handed over to you!”

NASB 1995
When he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” He said, “Go up and succeed, for they will be given into your hand.”

NASB 1977
And when he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” He said, “Go up and succeed, for they will be given into your hand.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he came to the king, and the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” And he said, “Go up and succeed, and they will be given into your hand.”

Amplified Bible
When he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” And he said, “Go up and succeed, for they will be handed over to you.”

Christian Standard Bible
So he went to the king, and the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to Ramoth-gilead for war, or should I refrain? ” Micaiah said, “March up and succeed, for they will be handed over to you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he went to the king, and the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to Ramoth-gilead for war, or should I refrain?” Micaiah said, “March up and succeed, for they will be handed over to you.”

American Standard Version
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper; and they shall be delivered into your hand.

Contemporary English Version
Then Micaiah went up to Ahab, who asked, "Micaiah, should we attack Ramoth?" "Yes!" Micaiah answered. "The LORD will help you capture the city."

English Revised Version
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper; and they shall be delivered into your hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he came to the king, the king asked him, "Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth in Gilead or not?" Micaiah said, "Attack and you will win. They will be handed over to you."

Good News Translation
When he appeared before King Ahab, the king asked him, "Micaiah, should King Jehoshaphat and I go and attack Ramoth, or not?" "Attack!" Micaiah answered. "Of course you'll win. The LORD will give you victory."

International Standard Version
When Micaiah approached the king, the king asked him, "Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I not?" "Go to war," Micaiah replied, "and you will be successful, because the LORD will hand it over to the king!"

Majority Standard Bible
When 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 they will be given into your hand.”

NET Bible
Micaiah came before the king and the king asked him, "Micaiah, should we attack Ramoth Gilead or not?" He answered him, "Attack! You will succeed; they will be handed over to you."

New Heart English Bible
When he had come to the king, the king said to him, "Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?" He said, "Go up, and prosper. They shall be delivered into your hand."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

World English Bible
When he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” He said, “Go up, and prosper. They shall be delivered into your hand.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he comes to the king, and the king says to him, “Micaiah, do we go to Ramoth-Gilead to battle, or do I refrain?” And he says, “Go up, and prosper, and they are given into your hand.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he cometh in unto the king, and the king saith unto him, 'Micaiah, do we go unto Ramoth-Gilead to battle, or do I forbear?' And he saith, 'Go ye up, and prosper, and they are given into your hand.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will come to the king, and the king will say to him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-Gilead to war, or shall I desist? And he will say, Go ye up and prosper, and they shall be given into your hand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So he came to the king: and the king said to him: Micheas, shall we go to Ramoth Galaad to fight, or forbear? And he answered him: Go up, for all shall succeed prosperously, and the enemies shall be delivered into your hands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, he went to the king. And the king said to him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or should we be quieted?” And he responded to him: “Ascend. For everything will come to prosperity, and the enemies will be delivered into your hands.”

New American Bible
When he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micah, shall we go to fight at Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” He said, “Attack and conquer! They will be delivered into your power.”

New Revised Standard Version
When he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” He answered, “Go up and triumph; they will be given into your hand.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he was come to the king, the king said to him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramath-gilead or shall I forbear? And he said to him, Go up and triumph, and they shall be delivered into your hands.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he went on to the King and the King said to him: “Mikah, shall we go to Ramath Gelad or not?” And he said to him: “Go up and triumph over it, and they shall be delivered into your hands!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him: ' Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?' And he said: 'Go ye up, and prosper; and they shall be delivered into your hand.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he came to the king, and the king said to him, Michaias, shall I go up to Ramoth Galaad to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go up, and thou shalt prosper, and they shall be given into your hands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
13But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.” 14When 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 they will be given into your hand.” 15But 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?”…

Cross References
1 Kings 22:13-28
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold now, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” / But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” / When 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 deliver it into the hand of the king.” ...

Jeremiah 28:10-17
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. / But shortly after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke off his neck, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: ...

Ezekiel 13:1-16
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing. ...

Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...

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.

Jeremiah 23:16-22
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.’ / But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? ...

2 Peter 2:1-3
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. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
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.” / You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

Matthew 24:11
and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.

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.

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.

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.

Micah 3:5-8
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.” ...

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, ...

Jeremiah 14:13-16
“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. / Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end! ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

Go ye up

1 Kings 18:27
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

1 Kings 22:15
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.

Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

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Arrived Attack Battle Delivered Forbear Gilead Hand Hands Micah Micaiah Micai'ah Prosper Ramoth Ramothgilead Ramoth-Gilead Refrain Succeed Triumph Victorious War
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2 Chronicles 18
1. Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead
4. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain there














When he arrived
This phrase sets the scene for a pivotal moment in the narrative. Micaiah, the prophet, arrives in the presence of King Ahab. The Hebrew root for "arrived" (בּוֹא, bo) often implies coming with purpose or intention. Micaiah's arrival is not just physical but also spiritual, as he brings the word of the Lord. Historically, prophets were seen as messengers of God, and their arrival often signified an impending divine message or judgment.

the king asked him
The king in question is Ahab, the ruler of Israel. In the Hebrew context, a king was not only a political leader but also a spiritual figure responsible for leading the nation in accordance with God's laws. Ahab's inquiry to Micaiah reflects a moment of seeking divine guidance, albeit with ulterior motives. This interaction highlights the tension between earthly authority and divine will.

Micaiah
Micaiah is a prophet known for his unwavering commitment to speaking God's truth, regardless of the consequences. His name means "Who is like Yahweh?" which underscores his role as a faithful servant of God. In the broader scriptural context, Micaiah stands in contrast to the false prophets who seek to please the king rather than convey God's true message.

should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead
Ramoth-gilead was a strategically significant city east of the Jordan River. Its control was crucial for military and economic reasons. The question of whether to go to war reflects the king's desire for expansion and power. Historically, this city was a point of contention between Israel and its neighbors, making it a focal point for conflict.

or should we refrain
This phrase presents the alternative to war, suggesting a moment of potential restraint. The Hebrew root for "refrain" (חָדַל, chadal) implies ceasing or holding back. In the biblical narrative, the choice to refrain often aligns with seeking God's will and avoiding unnecessary conflict. It highlights the tension between human ambition and divine guidance.

And Micaiah replied
Micaiah's response is crucial, as it reflects his role as a prophet. The Hebrew verb for "replied" (אָמַר, amar) is commonly used for prophetic speech, indicating that Micaiah's words carry divine authority. His reply is not merely a personal opinion but a reflection of God's message to the king.

March and triumph
This phrase is initially misleading, as Micaiah's tone is sarcastic. The Hebrew words for "march" (עָלָה, alah) and "triumph" (נָצַח, natsach) are often associated with victory and success. However, Micaiah's use of these terms is ironic, as he knows the true outcome will be disastrous for Ahab. This highlights the prophet's courage in speaking truth to power, even when it is unwelcome.

for they will be given into your hand
This phrase is a common biblical expression of victory, suggesting that God will deliver the enemy into the hands of the Israelites. However, in this context, it is a prophetic irony. Micaiah's words are a reflection of the false assurances given by the other prophets, contrasting with the true message he later reveals. This underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of human plans that oppose God's will.

(14) Shall I forbear.--Kings, shall we forbear. (See Note on 2Chronicles 18:5.)

And he said, Go ye up . . . and they shall be delivered.--Kings repeats the words of 2Chronicles 18:11, "Go thou up, and prosper thou, and the Lord," &c. The chronicler has substituted a reply, which states quite definitely that they (i.e., the Syrians) shall be delivered into the hands of the allied sovereigns. In 2Chronicles 18:11 the object of the verb "deliver" was not expressed. This rather reminds us of the Delphic oracle: "If Cr?sus pass the Halys, a mighty empire will be overthrown," though the words of Zedekiah in the preceding verse are plain enough.

Verse 14. - This first reply of Micaiah, given in the latter haft of the verse, does not stand for untruth or deceit, but for very thinly veiled, very thinly disguised, very keen taunt and reproof. It has been well described as the ironical echo of the language of the unreal prophets. Micaiah begins by answering a fool according to his folly, i.e. according to his own heart's desire. He had just come from some place of imprisonment or punishment (ver. 25). And he so spoke or so looked that the king should know he had not spoken his last word in answer to the inquiry addressed to him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Micaiah arrived,
וַיָּבֹא֮ (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

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

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

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

“Micaiah,
מִיכָה֙ (mî·ḵāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4318: Micah -- the name of several Israelites

should we go
הֲנֵלֵ֞ךְ (hă·nê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
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
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

“Go up
עֲל֣וּ (‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and triumph,”
וְהַצְלִ֔יחוּ (wə·haṣ·lî·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6743: To push forward

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

“for they will be given
וְיִנָּתְנ֖וּ (wə·yin·nā·ṯə·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

into your hand.”
בְּיֶדְכֶֽם׃ (bə·yeḏ·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:14 When he was come to the king (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 18:13
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