1 Kings 13:16

KJV

And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, I may {H3201} not return {H7725} with thee, nor go in {H935} with thee: neither will I eat {H398} bread {H3899} nor drink {H8354} water {H4325} with thee in this place {H4725}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He replied, "I cannot return with you or partake of your hospitality, nor will I eat food or drink water with you in this place;

Berean Standard Bible

But the man replied, “I cannot return with you or eat bread or drink water with you in this place.

American Standard Version

And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee; neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:16 records the unwavering initial resolve of the unnamed man of God from Judah, as he firmly reiterates his commitment to a direct divine prohibition. Despite an offer of hospitality from an old prophet, he declares his absolute refusal to eat, drink, or return with him, demonstrating a clear understanding and steadfast adherence to God's explicit command not to partake in anything in Bethel or deviate from his prescribed path.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is spoken by the unnamed man of God immediately following his divinely empowered prophetic act against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar in Bethel. God had given him a precise and strict command: he was not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor was he to return by the same way he came ([1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Man of God")). The old prophet, having heard of the man of God's powerful demonstration and message, pursued him to offer hospitality. The man of God's firm and clear refusal in this verse highlights his immediate and strong commitment to the divine prohibition, setting a crucial stage for the tragic events that unfold later in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God and the Old Prophet").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is set in the newly divided Kingdom of Israel, where Jeroboam, king of the northern tribes, had established golden calves in Bethel and Dan as illegitimate worship centers, directly defying the covenant with Yahweh and the true worship in Jerusalem. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a deeply ingrained and sacred social obligation. Refusing an invitation to eat and drink was a significant act, often perceived as a rejection of fellowship, trust, or even an act of hostility. For the man of God to refuse such an offer, especially from another prophet, underscores the absolute nature of the divine command he was under, prioritizing God's explicit word over deeply held social conventions and personal comfort in a place profoundly corrupted by idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal in highlighting several key themes within the broader narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings"). Foremost is the theme of **Unwavering Obedience to Divine Command**, as the man of God's words reflect his firm initial commitment to God's explicit instructions, emphasizing that divine commands are non-negotiable, even when seemingly benignly challenged. This also introduces the theme of **Temptation and Deception**, as the old prophet's invitation, though appearing benevolent, serves as a test of the man of God's resolve, underscoring the need for vigilance against any persuasion that would lead one away from God's path. Furthermore, the verse touches upon the **Integrity of the Prophetic Word and Messenger**, illustrating that a prophet's personal adherence to God's commands is paramount for the credibility and authority of the message they deliver. This initial steadfastness provides a stark contrast to his later fall, amplifying the tragedy of his subsequent disobedience detailed in [1 Kings 13:18-24](/1_kings/13-18-24 "1 Kings 13:18-24 - The Deception and Death of the Man of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"I may not" (Hebrew, יָכוֹל, _yâkôl'_):** This word (H3201) signifies more than a personal preference or a simple inability; it conveys a strong sense of divine prohibition or a binding obligation that prevents an action. It means "I am not permitted," "I am forbidden," or "I am unable by divine constraint." The man of God is stating that he is under a higher authority that absolutely restricts him from accepting the invitation, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of God's command.
* **"bread" (Hebrew, לֶחֶם, _lechem'_):** This term (H3899) refers to food in general, but specifically bread, which was a staple of ancient diets and a fundamental element of hospitality and shared fellowship. Its mention here, alongside water, directly echoes the divine prohibition and emphasizes the man of God's refusal to partake in any form of sustenance or communal meal within the defiled context of Bethel.
* **"water" (Hebrew, מַיִם, _mayim'_):** This word (H4325) refers to water, essential for life and often included in acts of hospitality. Its specific mention alongside bread reinforces the comprehensive nature of the divine command against partaking in any form of sustenance in Bethel. The man of God's refusal to even drink water underscores his complete and unwavering commitment to absolute separation from the idolatrous "place."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said,"**: This opening phrase establishes the man of God's direct and authoritative response to the old prophet's invitation. It signifies a clear, verbal declaration of his stance, leaving no room for ambiguity.
* **"I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee:"**: This clause presents a two-fold refusal. "I may not return with thee" indicates a prohibition against altering his divinely appointed return path. "nor go in with thee" specifically refuses to enter the old prophet's home or accompany him further, signifying a complete rejection of any form of association or fellowship that would violate the spirit or letter of God's command.
* **"neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:"**: This is the core of the prohibition, directly quoting God's specific instructions given in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Man of God"). The inclusion of "in this place" (referring to Bethel) underscores the geographical specificity of the command, linking it to the defilement of Jeroboam's idolatrous worship and emphasizing the man of God's commanded separation from it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Repetition** is evident as the man of God's words directly echo the divine command given in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Man of God"), reinforcing his clear understanding and initial commitment to the precise terms of God's instruction. This strong declaration also serves as powerful **foreshadowing**, ironically setting the stage for his tragic later fall. His steadfastness here makes his subsequent disobedience, brought about by deception, even more poignant and highlights the profound danger of subtle temptation. Furthermore, the man of God's unwavering stance creates a stark **contrast** with the deceptive nature of the old prophet's invitation, establishing a clear moral and spiritual dichotomy between true, uncompromising obedience and the insidious allure of compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The man of God's initial refusal in 1 Kings 13:16 underscores a fundamental biblical principle: the absolute necessity of unreserved obedience to God's explicit commands. God's word is not subject to human negotiation, convenience, or even the seemingly good intentions of others. This narrative highlights the danger of external pressures, even from those who appear to be fellow believers or spiritual authorities, when they contradict a clear divine directive. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the steadfast resolve required to maintain integrity in the face of temptation, reminding us that true faithfulness is demonstrated not only in what we do for God but also in what we refuse to do against His clear will.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "A Way That Seems Right")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the constant vigilance required to walk in obedience to God. In our lives, we frequently encounter situations where God's clear commands might seem inconvenient, socially awkward, or even challenged by well-meaning individuals or our own desires for comfort and acceptance. The man of God's initial response teaches us the profound importance of knowing God's word intimately, standing firm against any persuasion that would lead us astray, and exercising spiritual discernment, even when the source of temptation appears benign or even godly. His steadfastness here, though tragically short-lived in the broader narrative, offers a crucial lesson on the critical first step in faithful living: an immediate and unequivocal "I may not" when confronted with anything that contradicts God's revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific commands or principles has God clearly laid out in His Word that I am tempted to compromise on for comfort, social acceptance, or perceived convenience?**
* **How do I discern between genuine, godly counsel and subtle temptations, even from seemingly legitimate sources, that might lead me away from God's clear path?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate a stronger "I may not" resolve, prioritizing God's absolute authority over human expectations or personal desires?**

### FAQ
**Why was the command about eating and drinking so specific and important?**

Answer: The command was highly specific because it served as a symbolic act of complete separation and non-fellowship from Jeroboam's idolatrous kingdom and its defiled worship in Bethel. Eating and drinking with someone in ancient Near Eastern culture signified fellowship, peace, and shared identity. By forbidding the man of God from partaking in any sustenance in "this place" (Bethel), God was underscoring the severity of Jeroboam's sin and ensuring the prophet's absolute dissociation from the spiritual pollution and rebellion against the true worship of Yahweh. It was a crucial test of his obedience, demonstrating that his loyalty was solely to God and His commands, not to human custom or comfort in a place of apostasy. This command also served as a prophetic sign, demonstrating God's rejection of Jeroboam's illegitimate religious system, as seen in [1 Kings 13:1-6](/1_kings/13-1-6 "1 Kings 13:1-6 - The Man of God's Prophecy Against Jeroboam").

**What does "in this place" refer to?**

Answer: "In this place" refers explicitly to Bethel, the city where King Jeroboam had established one of his golden calves as an alternative worship site to Jerusalem ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). By specifying "in this place," God emphasized the defilement of Bethel due to Jeroboam's idolatry and ensured that the man of God's mission, which included prophesying against the altar in Bethel, would be accompanied by a complete and visible separation from any association with the city's spiritual corruption. This geographical specificity highlighted the pervasive nature of the spiritual corruption that had taken root in the Northern Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The man of God's initial, firm obedience in 1 Kings 13:16, though tragically marred by later compromise, points forward to the perfect, unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Unlike the man of God who eventually succumbed to deception, Jesus faced every temptation—from the devil in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) to the allure of worldly power—and never once deviated from His Father's will. He perfectly embodied the "I may not" when confronted with anything that contradicted God's divine command, famously declaring, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will")). Christ's entire life was a testament to uncompromising faithfulness, culminating in His ultimate obedience even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). He is the true Prophet who perfectly fulfilled the divine mandate, never compromising His message or mission for comfort, social acceptance, or deceptive counsel. Through His perfect obedience, Christ secured salvation for us, and by His indwelling Spirit, He empowers believers to live lives of increasing obedience, reflecting His own steadfast commitment to the Father's will ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 13:8

And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:

1 Kings 13:9

For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Matthew 16:23

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Numbers 22:13

And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.

Genesis 3:1

¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:3

But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.