King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:19 Mean?

1 Kings 17:19 in the King James Version says “And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode,...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.”

1 Kings 17:19 · KJV

Context

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?

19

And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.

20

And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?

21

And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. stretched: Heb. measured into: Heb. into his inward parts

Read 1 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.

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.

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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 · 18 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 18

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֖יהָ2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּנִי3 of 18

“unto her Give”

H5414

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

לִ֣י4 of 18
H0
אֶת5 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֑ךְ6 of 18

“me 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

וַיִּקָּחֵ֣הוּ7 of 18

“And he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵֽחֵיקָ֗הּ8 of 18

“him out of her bosom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

וַֽיַּעֲלֵ֙הוּ֙9 of 18

“and carried him up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽעֲלִיָּ֗ה11 of 18

“into a loft”

H5944

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

אֲשֶׁר12 of 18
H834

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

הוּא֙13 of 18
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

יֹשֵׁ֣ב14 of 18

“where he abode”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֔ם15 of 18
H8033

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

וַיַּשְׁכִּבֵ֖הוּ16 of 18

“and laid”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עַל17 of 18
H5921

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

מִטָּתֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“him upon his own bed”

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

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 17:19 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 17:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 4:322 Kings 4:10Acts 9:372 Kings 4:21

Test Your Knowledge

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