King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:15 Mean?

1 Kings 17:15 in the King James Version says “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 f...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 17:15 · KJV

Context

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

17

And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

Read 1 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). 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.

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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. 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 · 9 words
וַתֵּ֥לֶךְ1 of 9
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַֽתַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה2 of 9

“and did”

H6213

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

כִּדְבַ֣ר3 of 9

“according to the saying”

H1697

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

אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ4 of 9

“of Elijah”

H452

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

וַתֹּ֧אכַל5 of 9

“did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הִֽוא6 of 9
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

וָה֛יּא7 of 9
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

וּבֵיתָ֖הּ8 of 9

“and she and he and her house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יָמִֽים׃9 of 9

“many days”

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

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 17:15 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 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:43Genesis 6:22Matthew 15:28Hebrews 11:17Hebrews 11:7-8Romans 4:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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