Translations
Modern
So Ahab answered the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you demanded of your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” So the messengers departed and relayed the message to Ben-hadad.
Traditional
Wherefore he said unto the messengers of Ben–hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do: but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, and brought him word again.
Literal
And he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant the first time, I will do; and this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed, and brought back to him word.
Latin
Respondit itaque nuntiis Benadad: Dicite domino meo regi: Omnia propter quæ misisti ad me servum tuum in initio, faciam: hanc autem rem facere non possum.
Original
Hebrew
English
So Ahab answered the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you demanded of your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” So the messengers departed and relayed the message to Ben-hadad.
Notes
When Ben-hadad's second group made even bigger demands (see 1 Samuel 11:1–2), Ahab realized Ben-hadad wanted war. Ahab agreed to the first demand but refused the second.
my lord the king: Ahab spoke to Ben-hadad politely, showing he was willing to accept the Aramean king's rule. He might have hoped his polite response would prevent a fight.
People
Ben-hadad: King of Aram, contemporary of Asa and Baasha
Glossary
Topics
Ancient Samaria: Samaria the Capital of Besieged by Benhadad Syria: Benhadad King of, Besieged Samaria