King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:23 Mean?

1 Kings 17:23 in the King James Version says “And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: an...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.”

1 Kings 17:23 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

22

And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

23

And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.

24

And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

Read 1 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.

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.

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 · 15 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 15

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ2 of 15

“And Elijah”

H452

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

אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

הַיֶּ֗לֶד4 of 15

“the child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

וַיֹּֽרִדֵ֤הוּ5 of 15

“and brought him down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִן6 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽעֲלִיָּה֙7 of 15

“out of the chamber”

H5944

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

הַבַּ֔יְתָה8 of 15

“into the house”

H1004

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

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ9 of 15

“and delivered”

H5414

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

לְאִמּ֑וֹ10 of 15

“him unto his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙11 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ12 of 15

“And Elijah”

H452

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

רְאִ֖י13 of 15

“See”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חַ֥י14 of 15

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

בְּנֵֽךְ׃15 of 15

“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

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 17:23 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 17:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 4:36-37Luke 7:15Acts 9:41Hebrews 11:35

Test Your Knowledge

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

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