King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:16 Mean?

1 Kings 17:16 in the King James Version says “And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 17:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?

Read 1 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 14 words
כַּ֤ד1 of 14

“And the barrel”

H3537

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

הַקֶּ֙מַח֙2 of 14

“of meal”

H7058

flour

לֹ֣א3 of 14
H3808

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

כָלָ֔תָה4 of 14

“wasted”

H3615

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

וְצַפַּ֥חַת5 of 14

“not neither did the cruse”

H6835

a saucer (as flat)

הַשֶּׁ֖מֶן6 of 14

“of oil”

H8081

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

לֹ֣א7 of 14
H3808

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

חָסֵ֑ר8 of 14

“fail”

H2638

lacking; hence, without

כִּדְבַ֣ר9 of 14

“according to the word”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֖ר12 of 14

“which he spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּיַ֥ד13 of 14

“by”

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

אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃14 of 14

“Elijah”

H452

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

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 17:16 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 17:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:28-30Luke 1:37John 4:50-511 Kings 13:51 Kings 16:12Luke 1:45

Test Your Knowledge

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

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