King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:3 Mean?

1 Kings 14:3 in the King James Version says “And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child. with: Heb. in thine hand cracknels: or, cakes cruse: or, bottle”

1 Kings 14:3 · KJV

Context

1

At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick.

2

And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people.

3

And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child. with: Heb. in thine hand cracknels: or, cakes cruse: or, bottle

4

And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age. were: Heb. stood for his hoariness

5

And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of jeroboam's judgment and rehoboam's reign, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְלָקַ֣חַתְּ1 of 15

“And take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְּ֠יָדֵךְ2 of 15

“with thee”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עֲשָׂרָ֨ה3 of 15

“ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

לֶ֧חֶם4 of 15

“loaves”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְנִקֻּדִ֛ים5 of 15

“and cracknels”

H5350

a crumb (as broken to spots); also a biscuit (as pricked)

וּבַקְבֻּ֥ק6 of 15

“and a cruse”

H1228

a bottle (from the gurgling in emptying)

דְּבַ֖שׁ7 of 15

“of honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

וּבָ֣את8 of 15

“and go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָ֑יו9 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ה֚וּא10 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַגִּ֣יד11 of 15

“to him he shall tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָ֔ךְ12 of 15
H0
מַה13 of 15
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִּֽהְיֶ֖ה14 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לַנָּֽעַר׃15 of 15

“thee what shall become of the child”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 14:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:7-82 Kings 4:421 Kings 13:72 Kings 1:22 Kings 5:5Luke 7:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

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