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1 Kings 20:4

And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have.

1 Kings 20:4 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, the king of Israel responds to another king, expressing his loyalty and submission by saying "My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have." This response illustrates the concept of authority and obedience in relationships, particularly within the context of leadership. The king of Israel acknowledges the authority of the other king and pledges his allegiance, stating that he belongs to him and all that he possesses. This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and respect in dealings with those in positions of power, as well as the duty of subjects to honor and obey their rulers. It also highlights the idea of stewardship, recognizing that all that one has ultimately belongs to the higher authority. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of submission and loyalty in interpersonal relationships, especially in matters of leadership and governance.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have," we can see the concept of submission and loyalty being emphasized. In this verse, the king of Israel acknowledges the authority of the king he is speaking to and declares his allegiance. This reflects the importance of honoring those in positions of power and recognizing their authority. From a theological perspective, this verse can also be seen as a reminder of the need for humility and obedience in our relationships with others, including those who may have power over us. In addition, the concept of stewardship is highlighted in this verse, as the king acknowledges that all he has belongs to the king he is addressing. This serves as a reminder that all our possessions ultimately belong to God, and we are called to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

1 Kings 20:4 in other translations

American Standard Version

And the king of Israel answered and said, It is according to thy saying, my lord, O king; I am thine, and all that I have.

World English Bible

The king of Israel answered, “It is according to your saying, my lord, O king. I am yours, and all that I have.”

Douay-Rheims

And the king of Israel answered: According to thy word, my lord, O king, I am thine, and all that I have.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And the King of Israel answered, and sayd, My lord King, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I haue.