King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:12 Mean?

1 Kings 17:12 in the King James Version says “And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a c... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

1 Kings 17:12 · KJV


Context

10

So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

11

And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

12

And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

13

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

14

For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. sendeth: Heb. giveth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the drought, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

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 · 27 words
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 27

And she said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חַי2 of 27

liveth

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֤ה3 of 27

As the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙4 of 27

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אִם5 of 27
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶשׁ6 of 27

I have

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

לִ֣י7 of 27
H0
מָע֔וֹג8 of 27

not a cake

H4580

a cake of bread; parasite

כִּ֣י9 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם10 of 27
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מְלֹ֤א11 of 27

but an handful

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

כַף12 of 27
H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

קֶ֙מַח֙13 of 27

of meal

H7058

flour

בַּכַּ֔ד14 of 27

in a barrel

H3537

properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes

וּמְעַט15 of 27

and a little

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

שֶׁ֖מֶן16 of 27

oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

בַּצַּפָּ֑חַת17 of 27

in a cruse

H6835

a saucer (as flat)

וְהִנְנִ֨י18 of 27
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מְקֹשֶׁ֜שֶׁת19 of 27

and behold I am gathering

H7197

to forage for straw, stubble or wood; figuratively, to assemble

שְׁנַ֣יִם20 of 27

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֵצִ֗ים21 of 27

sticks

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וּבָ֙אתִי֙22 of 27

that I may go in

H935

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

וַֽעֲשִׂיתִ֙יהוּ֙23 of 27

and dress

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֣י24 of 27
H0
וְלִבְנִ֔י25 of 27

it for me and my son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַֽאֲכַלְנֻ֖הוּ26 of 27

that we may eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וָמָֽתְנוּ׃27 of 27

it and die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill


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 17:12 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 17:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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