1 Kings 22:16
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?
1 Kings 22:16 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the king is asking the prophet Micaiah to speak only the truth in the name of the LORD. The king is seeking assurance that the prophet will not deceive him or give him false information, but rather speak what God has revealed to him. This shows the importance of seeking and relying on the truth, especially when making important decisions. By adjuring Micaiah to speak only the truth in the name of the LORD, the king is emphasizing the significance of honesty and integrity in communication. It also highlights the importance of consulting with God and seeking His guidance in all matters, believing that only the truth revealed by Him can lead to a righteous and just outcome. This verse serves as a reminder to always seek and speak the truth, as it is through honesty and integrity that we honor God and fulfill His will in our lives.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the importance of speaking the truth in the name of the LORD. The act of adjuring someone was a formal way of making them swear to tell the truth, often invoking the name of God as a witness. By asking how many times he must adjure the individual to speak only the truth, the king emphasizes the significance of honesty and the fear of God in delivering accurate information. This demonstrates a concern for righteousness and a reverence for God's authority in seeking out the truth. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the value placed on honesty and integrity in the eyes of the LORD. It serves as a reminder for believers to always strive for truthfulness in their words and actions, knowing that ultimately, they are accountable to God for their honesty and integrity.
1 Kings 22:16 in other translations
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?
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?”
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the King said vnto him, How oft shall I charge thee, that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the Name of the Lord?