1 Kings 13:22

KJV

But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which [the LORD] did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

But camest back {H7725}, and hast eaten {H398} bread {H3899} and drunk {H8354} water {H4325} in the place {H4725}, of the which the LORD did say {H1696} to thee, Eat {H398} no bread {H3899}, and drink {H8354} no water {H4325}; thy carcase {H5038} shall not come {H935} unto the sepulchre {H6913} of thy fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but came back and ate food and drank water in the place where he warned you not to eat food or drink water, your corpse will not arrive at the tomb of your ancestors."

Berean Standard Bible

but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to do so, your body shall never reach the tomb of your fathers.’”

American Standard Version

but camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy body shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse delivers a solemn divine judgment upon the unnamed man of God from Judah, pronounced by the very old prophet who had tragically deceived him. It explicitly details the severe consequence of his disobedience: because he ate bread and drank water in Bethel, directly violating the Lord's clear command, his corpse would be denied burial in the sepulchre of his fathers. This prophetic curse serves as a stark testament to the inviolable nature of God's word and the profound repercussions of failing to adhere to His specific instructions, even when faced with deception or duress, underscoring the gravity of spiritual accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Kings 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") presents a poignant and tragic narrative, with this verse serving as the climactic pronouncement of divine judgment. The chapter begins with the man of God's courageous prophetic denunciation of King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar at Bethel, a message powerfully confirmed by miraculous signs. Central to his divine commission was a strict, unambiguous command from the Lord: he was not to eat bread or drink water in that place, nor was he to return by the same path ([1 Kings 13:9](/1-kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - The Command to the Man of God")). Despite initial obedience, he was later tragically misled by an old prophet who falsely claimed an angelic revelation that countermanded God's original instruction. [1 Kings 13:22](/1-kings/13-22 "1 Kings 13:22 - The Judgment Pronouncement") is the direct, divinely ordained consequence, ironically spoken by the deceiver himself, immediately preceding the man of God's swift death by a lion ([1 Kings 13:24](/1-kings/13-24 "1 Kings 13:24 - The Man of God Killed by a Lion")). This verse seals his fate within the narrative, highlighting the immutable nature of God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds in the tumultuous period following the division of the united kingdom of Israel. King Jeroboam had established Bethel as a rival worship center to Jerusalem, complete with golden calves ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1-kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")), an act of profound spiritual rebellion. In the ancient Near East, prophecy was a vital, though often fraught, means of divine communication. Discerning between true and false prophets was a critical skill, with clear guidelines provided in the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing False Prophets")). Furthermore, burial practices held immense cultural and spiritual significance. To be interred with one's ancestors in the family tomb was a deeply cherished honor, symbolizing peace, continuity, and a proper, honorable transition from life. Conversely, to be denied such a burial, as pronounced in [1 Kings 13:22](/1-kings/13-22 "1 Kings 13:22 - The Judgment Pronouncement"), was a profound disgrace, often reserved for those who died a shameful, cursed, or unrighteous death, signifying a complete severance from one's lineage and a clear mark of divine displeasure.
* **Key Themes:** The tragic account in [1 Kings 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") powerfully illustrates several crucial theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute seriousness of divine commands** and the unchangeable nature of God's word. A direct command from God, once given, cannot be easily superseded or reinterpreted by subsequent, unverified claims, even those cloaked in spiritual authority. Secondly, the narrative starkly highlights the **unavoidable consequences of disobedience**. God holds His servants to an exceptionally high standard of accountability, demonstrating that transgression carries severe repercussions, regardless of the circumstances or the source of deception. Thirdly, the story emphasizes the critical theme of **spiritual discernment**, stressing the imperative for believers to test all spiritual claims and voices against the clear, established, and unwavering truth of God's written word ([1 John 4:1](/1-john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")). Finally, it reveals God's **sovereignty in judgment**, demonstrating His capacity to use even flawed or deceptive instruments (like the old prophet) to deliver His righteous verdict, ensuring that His word is upheld and His justice is meticulously served.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bread (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** This term (לֶחֶם) refers broadly to food, but specifically to bread or grain used for making it. In this context, "bread" represents the sustenance forbidden to the man of God in Bethel. The act of eating bread and drinking water was not merely a physical necessity but a symbolic act, signifying communion and acceptance of the place. To partake of this "bread" in a place dedicated to idolatry, against a direct divine prohibition, was a profound act of spiritual compromise and disobedience, marking a violation of his consecrated mission.
* **Water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** The Hebrew word (מַיִם), typically used in the dual form, refers to water. Like bread, water was a basic necessity, but its consumption in Bethel was explicitly forbidden to the man of God. This prohibition, alongside that of bread, underscored the absolute separation God demanded from the idolatrous environment. To "drink water" in that place was to break a specific, clear divine boundary, symbolizing a failure to maintain the purity and distinctness of his prophetic calling in a defiled land.
* **Carcase (Hebrew, _nᵉbêlâh'_):** This term (נְבֵלָה) denotes a flabby, dead body, specifically a carcass or carrion, whether human or animal, often implying a state of defilement or dishonor. Its use here for the man of God's body emphasizes the ignominious and shameful nature of his impending death and the subsequent denial of an honorable burial. It signifies that his end would be one of divine curse and public disgrace, rather than the peaceful repose of one who died in good standing with God.
* **Sepulchre (Hebrew, _qeber'_):** The Hebrew word (קֶבֶר) refers to a grave, tomb, or burial place. In ancient Israelite society, family sepulchres were deeply significant, representing a physical link to one's lineage and a symbol of continuity and peace in death. To be buried with one's fathers was a profound honor, signifying a proper and blessed end to life. The denial of access to the "sepulchre of thy fathers" in [1 Kings 13:22](/1-kings/13-22 "1 Kings 13:22 - The Judgment Pronouncement") signifies a complete spiritual and social severance from his heritage, serving as the ultimate public declaration of divine judgment and disgrace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place,"**: This clause directly indicts the man of God for his specific act of disobedience. He had initially departed from Bethel, demonstrating obedience to the Lord's command. However, he "came back" (implying a return after initial departure) and then engaged in the very actions explicitly forbidden to him: eating and drinking in that idolatrous location. This highlights the clear and conscious nature of his transgression, even though it was induced by the old prophet's deception. The emphasis here is on the direct violation of an unambiguous divine prohibition.
* **"of the which [the LORD] did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water;"**: This segment powerfully reiterates the clarity and divine authority of the original command. The old prophet, now speaking as God's true messenger, precisely recites the instructions given earlier by the Lord. This serves as a crucial reminder to both the man of God and the reader that the initial divine directive was neither ambiguous nor open to interpretation, thereby making the subsequent disobedience all the more grievous. It underscores the immutability of God's word and its resistance to convenient revision or human rationalization.
* **"thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers."**: This is the solemn and irreversible pronouncement of judgment. The direct consequence for the man of God's grave disobedience is a dishonorable death and the denial of burial with his ancestors. As elaborated in the "Key Word Analysis," this was a culturally and spiritually devastating penalty, signifying divine rejection, public disgrace, and a severance from his heritage. It is a stark, absolute statement of the finality of God's judgment for his transgression, ensuring that his legacy would be one of shame rather than honor.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Kings 13:22](/1-kings/13-22 "1 Kings 13:22 - The Judgment Pronouncement") employs several potent literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. There is profound **Irony** in the fact that the old prophet, who was the very instrument of deception leading to the man of God's downfall, becomes the divinely appointed messenger of God's judgment against him. This unexpected reversal underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His capacity to use even flawed or morally compromised individuals to accomplish His righteous purposes and pronounce His truth. The phrase "thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers" is a powerful example of **Metonymy**, where "carcase" stands for the entire person and their ultimate fate, and "sepulchre of thy fathers" symbolizes an honorable, peaceful death and the continuity of one's heritage. The denial of this sacred burial is a potent **Symbolism** of divine displeasure, a cursed end, and public disgrace. Furthermore, the direct quotation of God's original, clear command ("Eat no bread, and drink no water") serves as a form of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the clarity, immutability, and inviolability of the divine word that was so tragically violated. The entire narrative arc of [1 Kings 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") also functions as **Foreshadowing**, with this pronouncement of judgment immediately preceding its swift and dramatic fulfillment, reinforcing the certainty and inevitability of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The severe judgment pronounced in [1 Kings 13:22](/1-kings/13-22 "1 Kings 13:22 - The Judgment Pronouncement") serves as an enduring and stark reminder of the gravity of obedience and the severe consequences of spiritual compromise. It unequivocally underscores that God's commands are not mere suggestions but divine mandates, and even those specially called to serve Him are held to the highest standards of accountability. The narrative powerfully illustrates that while God is abundant in mercy, He is also perfectly just, and His word, once given, stands firm and unyielding regardless of human deception, rationalization, or the perceived "good intentions" of others. This incident highlights the critical importance of discerning truth, especially when confronted with conflicting spiritual claims, and prioritizing God's clear, revealed word above all other voices or perceived authorities. It teaches that even a single act of disobedience, particularly when it involves a direct and specific divine prohibition, can carry profound and lasting repercussions, impacting not only one's immediate life but also one's eternal legacy and standing before God.

* [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah"): Moses, a revered leader, was denied entry into the Promised Land for a single act of disobedience—striking the rock instead of speaking to it—demonstrating God's strict standard of holiness and obedience for His chosen servants.
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1-samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice"): Samuel famously rebukes King Saul, declaring that "to obey is better than sacrifice," powerfully emphasizing that God values faithful and complete adherence to His commands above ritualistic acts, human reasoning, or partial obedience.
* [Deuteronomy 13:1](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing False Prophets"): This passage provides crucial criteria for discerning true prophets from false ones, instructing Israel to test any prophet whose message deviates from God's established law or fails to come to pass, directly relevant to the man of God's fatal failure to discern.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of the man of God from Judah serves as a timeless and sobering cautionary tale for all who earnestly seek to follow the Lord. It compels us to deeply examine the sincerity of our own commitment to God's revealed word and to cultivate an unwavering vigilance against deception, whether it originates from external sources or from the subtle inclinations of our own hearts. In a world saturated with competing voices, conflicting claims of spiritual authority, and endless streams of information, the narrative of [1 Kings 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") calls us to cultivate radical discernment, grounding ourselves firmly and unshakeably in the clear, unchanging, and authoritative truth of Scripture. Our obedience is not merely a legalistic adherence to rules but a profound act of worship, trust, and love, demonstrating that we value God's wisdom, holiness, and supreme authority above all else. This story powerfully reminds us that even seemingly small compromises with God's truth can have disproportionately severe and devastating consequences, underscoring the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards our faithfulness and integrity. We are called to walk in unwavering integrity, prioritizing steadfast and uncompromising obedience to the Lord, knowing that His commands are always for our ultimate good and His supreme glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern between genuine spiritual guidance and deceptive influences in my own life, especially when they come from unexpected sources?**
* **In what specific areas might I be tempted to compromise on God's clear commands, perhaps rationalizing disobedience or seeking "easier" or more socially acceptable paths?**
* **What profound lessons does this narrative teach me about the critical importance of personal accountability and vigilant discernment, even when others, particularly those in positions of spiritual authority, may lead me astray?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more profound reverence for the immutability, authority, and sanctity of God's Word in my daily walk and decision-making?**

### FAQ

**Why was the punishment for the man of God's disobedience so severe?**

Answer: The severity of the punishment for the man of God's disobedience in [1 Kings 13:22](/1-kings/13-22 "1 Kings 13:22 - The Judgment Pronouncement") underscores several crucial theological principles. Firstly, he was a prophet, a direct messenger and representative of God, and thus held to an exceptionally high standard of accountability. His initial mission was to confront Jeroboam's profound idolatry, a direct affront to God's covenant and holiness. His subsequent disobedience, even if induced by deception, fundamentally undermined the very authority and integrity of the divine word he was sent to proclaim. God's specific command not to eat or drink was not arbitrary; it was a symbolic act of complete separation from the defiled land of Bethel and a powerful testament to the purity and distinctness of his divine mission. Breaking this command, therefore, was not a minor transgression but a profound failure of integrity and a public compromise of divine authority. God's immediate and harsh judgment demonstrated His absolute holiness, the immutability of His commands, and the seriousness with which He treats disobedience, particularly from those who bear His name and represent Him. It served as a powerful, undeniable lesson to a nation already steeped in idolatry about the non-negotiable nature of God's word and the dire consequences of spiritual compromise.

**Was the old prophet, who deceived the man of God, also punished?**

Answer: The biblical text of [1 Kings 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") does not explicitly state a direct, immediate physical punishment for the old prophet in the same manner as the man of God. However, his role in the narrative is complex and morally ambiguous. He is the one through whom God's final, true judgment is pronounced ([1 Kings 13:21-22](/1-kings/13-21 "1 Kings 13:21-22 - The Old Prophet's Prophecy of Judgment")), suggesting that he was still capable of receiving and delivering authentic divine messages, despite his earlier deceptive act. His later actions, such as mourning the man of God, retrieving his body, and requesting to be buried in his tomb ([1 Kings 13:30-31](/1-kings/13-30 "1 Kings 13:30-31 - The Old Prophet Mourns and Requests Burial")), strongly imply a recognition of his own culpability, the man of God's prophetic authenticity, and the tragic consequences of his deception. While he escaped immediate physical judgment, his complicity in leading a fellow prophet astray and the subsequent tragic outcome would have carried significant spiritual and moral weight, likely impacting his standing before God and his community, even if the specific details of his ultimate judgment are not explicitly detailed in this narrative.

**What does this story teach us about discerning spiritual messages and authority today?**

Answer: The story of the man of God and the old prophet in [1 Kings 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") offers crucial and enduring lessons for discerning spiritual messages and authority in any age. Firstly, it emphatically teaches that **God's clear, revealed word in Scripture always takes absolute precedence** over any new, unverified claims, even if those claims originate from someone who appears to be a spiritual authority, or even purports to have received angelic revelation. The man of God's fatal error was accepting a new message that directly contradicted a clear, previously established divine command without independent verification. Secondly, it highlights the profound **danger of spiritual deception**, which can arise from unexpected sources, even from within the community of faith or from those who claim to speak for God. We are therefore called to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1-john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and diligently examine all teachings and prophecies against the unchanging standard of God's written Word ([Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Bereans Search the Scriptures")). Finally, it underscores the **paramount importance of personal responsibility and individual discernment**. While deception can be powerfully insidious, ultimately, each individual is accountable for their obedience to God's known will. We must cultivate a deep and abiding knowledge of God's word and a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit for discernment, rather than blindly following any human authority, no matter how charismatic or seemingly spiritual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of the man of God in [1 Kings 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") finds its profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect, unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Unlike the man of God who succumbed to deception and disobeyed a clear divine command, leading to his demise, Jesus consistently and perfectly fulfilled every word of His Father's will, even unto the agonizing death on the cross. Where the man of God's disobedience led to a dishonorable death and exclusion from his ancestral sepulchre, symbolizing divine judgment and separation, Jesus' perfect obedience led to His own sacrificial death, which absorbed the full weight of the judgment for our disobedience. His burial was not one of shame or divine displeasure, but a necessary step towards His glorious resurrection, which utterly conquered death and the power of sin. Through Christ's perfect obedience, believers are not denied burial with their fathers in shame, but are instead "buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ")). He is the true and faithful Prophet, Priest, and King who perfectly upheld God's word, offering Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby granting us access not to an earthly sepulchre, but to eternal life and an imperishable inheritance with Him in the heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). His perfect obedience reverses the curse of disobedience, offering grace, reconciliation, and new life where the law brought condemnation.

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 13:30

And he laid his carcase in his own grave; and they mourned over him, [saying], Alas, my brother!

Jeremiah 22:18

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!

Jeremiah 22:19

He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 14:18

All the kings of the nations, [even] all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.

Isaiah 14:20

Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, [and] slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

1 Kings 14:13

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

2 Chronicles 21:19

And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.