King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 17:9 Mean?

1 Kings 17:9 in the King James Version says “Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. Zarephath: Gr. Sarepta”

1 Kings 17:9 · KJV

Context

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,

9

Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. Zarephath: Gr. Sarepta

10

So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

11

And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

Read 1 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

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 · 13 words
ק֣וּם1 of 13

“Arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לֵ֤ךְ2 of 13
H1980

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

צָֽרְפַ֙תָה֙3 of 13

“thee to Zarephath”

H6886

tsarephath, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 13
H834

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

לְצִיד֔וֹן5 of 13

“which belongeth to Zidon”

H6721

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

וְיָֽשַׁבְתָּ֖6 of 13

“and dwell”

H3427

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

שָׁ֑ם7 of 13
H8033

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

הִנֵּ֨ה8 of 13
H2009

lo!

צִוִּ֥יתִי9 of 13

“there behold I have commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

שָׁ֛ם10 of 13
H8033

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

אִשָּׁ֥ה11 of 13

“woman”

H802

a woman

אַלְמָנָ֖ה12 of 13

“a widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

לְכַלְכְּלֶֽךָ׃13 of 13

“there to sustain”

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 4:26Obadiah 1:202 Corinthians 4:7Matthew 15:21-221 Kings 17:4Romans 4:17-21

Places in This Verse

SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
ZarephathSettlement · Modern: Sarepta · 33.46°N, 35.30°E4 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Kings 17 →

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