King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:13 Mean?

1 Kings 17:13 in the King James Version says “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 u... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 17:13 · KJV


Context

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

15

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. many: or, a full year


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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 · 21 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֤יהָ2 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵֽלִיָּ֙הוּ֙3 of 21

And Elijah

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

אַל4 of 21
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י5 of 21

unto her Fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

בֹּ֖אִי6 of 21

not go

H935

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

תַּֽעֲשִׂ֖י7 of 21

and do

H6213

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

כִדְבָרֵ֑ךְ8 of 21

as thou hast said

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אַ֣ךְ9 of 21
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

תַּֽעֲשִׂ֖י10 of 21

and do

H6213

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

לִ֣י11 of 21
H0
מִ֠שָּׁם12 of 21

me thereof

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עֻגָ֨ה13 of 21

cake

H5692

an ashcake (as round)

קְטַנָּ֤ה14 of 21

a little

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

בָרִֽאשֹׁנָה֙15 of 21

first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְהוֹצֵ֣אתְ16 of 21

and bring

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לִ֔י17 of 21
H0
וְלָ֣ךְ18 of 21
H0
וְלִבְנֵ֔ךְ19 of 21

for thee and for thy 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

תַּֽעֲשִׂ֖י20 of 21

and do

H6213

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

בָּאַֽחֲרֹנָֽה׃21 of 21

it unto me and after

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western


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 17:13 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 17:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study