1 Kings 13:8

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} of God {H430} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, If thou wilt give {H5414} me half {H2677} thine house {H1004}, I will not go in {H935} with thee, neither will I eat {H398} bread {H3899} nor drink {H8354} water {H4325} in this place {H4725}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But the man of God replied to the king, "Even if you give me half your household, I will not accept your hospitality; nor will I eat food or drink water in this place.

Berean Standard Bible

But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 13:8 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the unnamed man of God from Judah, showcasing his initial, resolute obedience to a specific divine command. Despite an incredibly generous offer of wealth and hospitality from King Jeroboam I, the prophet firmly rejects any form of fellowship or sustenance in Bethel, a place now defiled by idolatry, thereby upholding the integrity of his prophetic mission and demonstrating unwavering allegiance to God's explicit instructions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a dramatic and confrontational encounter between the man of God and King Jeroboam I. The prophet had been sent by divine mandate to Bethel, the primary cultic center established by Jeroboam in the Northern Kingdom, designed to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, thus solidifying his political and religious autonomy from the Davidic dynasty in Judah. The man of God had boldly prophesied against Jeroboam's illicit altar, declaring its future destruction. When Jeroboam attempted to seize the prophet, his hand withered, only to be miraculously restored through the prophet's intercession. Impressed and perhaps fearful, Jeroboam extends a royal invitation for hospitality and reward in [1 Kings 13:7](/1_kings/13-7 "1 Kings 13:7 - Jeroboam's Offer to the Prophet"). The prophet's response in [1 Kings 13:8](/1_kings/13-8 "1 Kings 13:8 - The Prophet's Refusal of Jeroboam's Offer") is a stark and unequivocal rejection, setting the stage for the subsequent test of his obedience, as detailed in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Explicit Command to the Prophet").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethel, a historically significant site in Israel's spiritual heritage, associated with Abraham and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). However, under Jeroboam I, Bethel had been transformed into a center of idolatry, housing one of the golden calves ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry at Bethel and Dan")). In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a profound act of covenant, fellowship, and acceptance. To refuse hospitality, especially from a king, was a significant social affront, often interpreted as a declaration of enmity or a profound moral objection. The prophet's refusal was not merely a personal preference but a public, symbolic act of non-participation and separation from Jeroboam's apostate kingdom and its defiled practices, underscoring the severity of the divine prohibition given in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - The Divine Command Not to Eat or Drink").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The primary theme is **unwavering obedience to God's explicit command**, even when it involves personal sacrifice or social discomfort. The prophet's initial steadfastness serves as a stark contrast to Jeroboam's disobedience and the subsequent failure of the prophet himself. Another crucial theme is **separation from idolatry and spiritual purity**. By refusing to eat or drink in Bethel, the man of God visually and symbolically distances himself from the spiritual corruption of the Northern Kingdom, reinforcing the biblical imperative for God's people to remain distinct from ungodly influences ([2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Call to Separation from Unbelief")). Furthermore, the narrative highlights the **danger of material temptation and compromise**. Jeroboam's offer of "half thine house" represents immense wealth and status, yet the prophet's immediate rejection underscores that divine commission and integrity must supersede worldly gain, a principle echoed in [Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Jesus Resists Temptation of Worldly Kingdoms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man of God (Hebrew: אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, _ish ha'elohim'_):** This title is not merely descriptive but designates a person divinely commissioned and empowered, acting as God's representative. It implies authority, a direct line of communication with the Almighty, and a sacred duty to obey and deliver God's word without deviation. The unnamed status of this "man of God" emphasizes that his authority derives solely from God, not from personal renown or lineage, making his obedience (and later disobedience) all the more significant as a test of faithfulness to the divine word itself.
* **half thine house (Hebrew: חֲצִי בֵיתֶךָ, _chatzi beit'kha'_):** This phrase signifies an offer of extraordinary generosity, representing a vast portion of the king's personal wealth, property, and perhaps even his royal household or treasury. It is an offer designed to entice, to secure loyalty, and to reward service handsomely. The prophet's rejection of such an immense material gain underscores his profound commitment to his divine mandate over any earthly comfort or personal enrichment.
* **this place (Hebrew: הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה, _hamaqom hazzeh'_):** While seemingly innocuous, the demonstrative "this" (הַזֶּה, _hazzeh_) points specifically to Bethel, the very location where Jeroboam had established his idolatrous worship center. The prohibition against eating or drinking is not merely about personal sustenance but about abstaining from any act that might imply fellowship, endorsement, or even tacit acceptance of the defiled spiritual atmosphere of Bethel. It is a powerful symbolic act of separation from a place consecrated to false gods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man of God said unto the king":** This opening establishes the direct and courageous confrontation between God's messenger and the reigning monarch. It highlights the prophet's boldness in delivering a divine message, even when it directly challenges royal authority and established religious practices. The prophet speaks with authority derived from God, not from his own standing.
* **"If thou wilt give me half thine house":** This clause acknowledges the king's extravagant offer, demonstrating that the prophet fully comprehends the magnitude of the proposed reward. It sets up the stark contrast between the allure of worldly riches and the unwavering commitment to divine command. The prophet is not rejecting the offer out of ignorance or misunderstanding, but out of principle.
* **"I will not go in with thee":** This is a direct and unequivocal refusal of the king's invitation for personal fellowship and hospitality. In ancient culture, to "go in with" someone for a meal was to enter into a bond of friendship and mutual acceptance. The prophet's refusal signifies a complete rejection of any such bond with Jeroboam, particularly given the king's idolatrous practices.
* **"neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place":** This is the core of the divine prohibition and the prophet's steadfast obedience. The act of eating and drinking in a specific location carried significant symbolic weight. By refusing sustenance in Bethel, the prophet publicly and symbolically disavows any association with, or endorsement of, the idolatrous worship established there. It is an act of spiritual purity and separation, demonstrating that his allegiance is solely to the God who sent him, not to the king or his defiled kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is central, highlighted by the stark opposition between Jeroboam's lavish offer of "half thine house" and the man of God's absolute refusal of even basic sustenance. This contrast underscores the prophet's integrity and the spiritual chasm between divine command and worldly temptation. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the act of eating and drinking is not merely a physical necessity but a powerful symbol of fellowship, covenant, and endorsement. By refusing to partake, the prophet symbolically rejects any communion with Jeroboam's apostate kingdom and its idolatrous practices. Furthermore, the prophet's initial unwavering obedience in this verse serves as a dramatic **foreshadowing** of his later, tragic disobedience in [1 Kings 13:18-19](/1_kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18-19 - The Old Prophet's Deception"), setting up a profound **irony** where the one who initially stands firm against royal temptation later falls prey to a different form of deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unwavering stance of the man of God in 1 Kings 13:8 serves as a powerful theological statement on the absolute priority of God's explicit commands over personal comfort, material gain, or social convention. It underscores the biblical principle that true faithfulness demands uncompromising obedience, particularly when confronted with the allure of worldly power or the pressures of a corrupt environment. This prophet's initial integrity highlights the necessity of maintaining spiritual purity and separation from anything that might compromise one's allegiance to Yahweh, especially in the face of widespread apostasy. His refusal to eat or drink in "this place" (Bethel) is a vivid demonstration that fellowship with God's enemies, even through seemingly innocuous acts, can be a form of spiritual compromise.

* [Deuteronomy 13:18](/deuteronomy/13-18 "Deuteronomy 13:18 - Strict Obedience to God's Commands")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Call to Separation from Unbelief")
* [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus Resists Temptation with Scripture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The man of God's initial response in 1 Kings 13:8 provides a profound blueprint for spiritual integrity and uncompromising obedience in the face of temptation. In a world constantly offering enticing rewards for compromise—be it financial gain, social acceptance, or personal comfort—this verse challenges believers to prioritize God's explicit word above all else. It reminds us that true faithfulness is often demonstrated not in grand declarations, but in the quiet, resolute refusal to deviate from divine instructions, even when those instructions seem inconvenient or socially awkward. Our spiritual purity is paramount, and we are called to discern environments and associations that might subtly or overtly compromise our walk with God. This passage compels us to ask ourselves: Are we willing to refuse "half a house" for the sake of God's command? Do we maintain a distinct separation from influences that would defile our spiritual walk, even if it means foregoing perceived benefits or enduring social discomfort? The man of God's initial stand is a powerful call to radical obedience and unwavering commitment to the Lord, regardless of the cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "half houses" or tempting offers might compromise my obedience to God in my life today?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a clear separation from worldly values or practices that contradict God's word?**
* **In what areas am I tempted to compromise my spiritual integrity for personal gain or comfort?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper commitment to God's explicit commands, even when they are inconvenient or unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Why was the man of God forbidden to eat or drink in Bethel?**

Answer: The prohibition against eating bread or drinking water in Bethel, as explicitly stated in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Prophet"), was a specific divine command intended to underscore the complete separation of God's prophet from the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam's kingdom. Bethel, once a holy site, had been defiled by the golden calf worship ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was an act of fellowship, covenant, and acceptance. By refusing to partake, the man of God symbolically and ritually distanced himself from the spiritual corruption of the place and its ruler, demonstrating that God's messenger could have no communion with such apostasy. It was a powerful, visible act of non-endorsement and spiritual purity.

**What is the significance of Jeroboam's offer of "half thine house"?**

Answer: Jeroboam's offer of "half thine house" ([1 Kings 13:7](/1_kings/13-7 "1 Kings 13:7 - Jeroboam's Offer")) was an extraordinarily generous and enticing reward, signifying immense wealth, status, and perhaps even a share in the king's personal treasury or domain. It was a strategic move by Jeroboam, likely intended to co-opt the prophet's power, secure his loyalty, or at least neutralize his opposition. The prophet's immediate and unequivocal rejection of such a lucrative offer highlights his profound commitment to his divine mission and his refusal to allow worldly gain to compromise his spiritual integrity. It underscores the theme that true faithfulness to God often requires spurning material advantages that conflict with divine commands.

**Why is the man of God unnamed in this account?**

Answer: The man of God is deliberately left unnamed throughout this narrative (1 Kings 13) to emphasize that his authority and significance derive solely from his role as God's messenger, not from his personal identity or lineage. His anonymity focuses the reader's attention on the divine word he carries and the principle of obedience it embodies. It also serves to universalize the message: any servant of God, regardless of their personal renown, is subject to the same strict demands of obedience. Furthermore, his unnamed status heightens the tragedy of his later disobedience, as it underscores that even a powerful, divinely commissioned prophet can fall if they deviate from God's explicit instructions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unwavering obedience of the man of God in 1 Kings 13:8, particularly his refusal of worldly enticements and his strict adherence to God's command not to eat or drink in a defiled place, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the man of God ultimately faltered, Jesus consistently demonstrated perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Unlike the prophet who was tempted by an old prophet, Jesus faced and overcame the direct temptations of Satan in the wilderness, refusing the allure of worldly kingdoms and material provision, declaring, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus Resists Temptation with Scripture")). Jesus never compromised His mission for personal gain or comfort; He consistently separated Himself from the corrupting influences of the world, maintaining perfect spiritual purity. He is the true "man of God" who perfectly embodied divine faithfulness, not only refusing the "half house" of earthly dominion but willingly laying down His life as the ultimate sacrifice, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby establishing a new covenant where perfect obedience leads to eternal life. His life and sacrifice are the ultimate demonstration of uncompromising allegiance to God, a standard to which the Old Testament prophets could only point imperfectly.

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

Numbers 24:13

If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind; [but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

Numbers 22:18

And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

Exodus 5:3

¶ And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

2 Kings 5:26

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

2 Kings 5:27

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].