King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:6 Mean?

1 Kings 17:6 in the King James Version says “And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

1 Kings 17:6 · KJV


Context

4

And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

5

So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

6

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

7

And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. after: Heb. at the end of days

8

And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָעֹֽרְבִ֗ים1 of 12

And the ravens

H6158

a raven (from its dusky hue)

מְבִאִ֨ים2 of 12

brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

ל֜וֹ3 of 12
H0
וְלֶ֥חֶם4 of 12

and bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וּבָשָׂ֖ר5 of 12

and flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר6 of 12

in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְלֶ֥חֶם7 of 12

and bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וּבָשָׂ֖ר8 of 12

and flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בָּעָ֑רֶב9 of 12

in the evening

H6153

dusk

וּמִן10 of 12
H4480

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

הַנַּ֖חַל11 of 12

of the brook

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃12 of 12

and he drank

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)


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 17:6 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 17:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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