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1 Kings 20:11

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

The king of Israel replied, 'Tell him this: Don't let someone who is just putting on his armor for battle brag like someone who has already won and is taking it off.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The king is saying don't boast about victory before you've actually fought and won the battle.

📚 Historical Context

This was King Ahab's response to the arrogant threats of Ben-hadad, king of Syria, who was demanding tribute and boasting about his coming victory over Israel. Ben-hadad had surrounded Samaria with a massive army and was making increasingly bold demands. Ahab's reply became a famous proverb about not counting your victories before they happen.

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Translation & Methodology Sources

The original manuscript text provided is based on the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain. Our modern English simplifications are generated via proprietary philological synthesis, cross-referenced against Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and the Textus Receptus to ensure unwavering theological and etymological precision.

Read our full translation methodology →