King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:14 Mean?

1 Kings 17:14 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until th... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 17:14 · King James Version


Context

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

16

And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah. by: Heb. by the hand of


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּ֣י1 of 22
H3588

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

כֹה֩2 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֨ר3 of 22

For thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֛ה4 of 22

that the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י5 of 22

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל6 of 22

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כַּ֤ד7 of 22

The barrel

H3537

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

הַקֶּ֙מַח֙8 of 22

of meal

H7058

flour

לֹ֣א9 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִכְלָ֔ה10 of 22

shall not waste

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

וְצַפַּ֥חַת11 of 22

neither shall the cruse

H6835

a saucer (as flat)

הַשֶּׁ֖מֶן12 of 22

of oil

H8081

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

לֹ֣א13 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֶחְסָ֑ר14 of 22

fail

H2637

to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen

עַ֠ד15 of 22
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

י֧וֹם16 of 22

until the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תֵּתן17 of 22

sendeth

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֛ה18 of 22

that the LORD

H3068

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

גֶּ֖שֶׁם19 of 22

rain

H1653

a shower

עַל20 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֥י21 of 22

upon

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃22 of 22

the earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)


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 17:14 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 17:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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