King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:1 Mean?

1 Kings 18:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thysel... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

1 Kings 18:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

2

And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.

3

And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: Obadiah: Heb. Obadiahu the governor: Heb. over his house


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the prophets of baal, 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.

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 · 20 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יָמִ֣ים2 of 20

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רַבִּ֔ים3 of 20

And it came to pass after many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וּדְבַר4 of 20

that the word

H1697

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

יְהוָ֗ה5 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

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

הָיָה֙6 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֶל7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ8 of 20

came to Elijah

H452

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

בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה9 of 20

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֖ית10 of 20

in the third

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

לֵאמֹ֑ר11 of 20

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵ֚ךְ12 of 20
H1980

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

הֵֽרָאֵ֣ה13 of 20

shew

H7200

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

אֶל14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחְאָ֔ב15 of 20

thyself unto Ahab

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה16 of 20

and I will send

H5414

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

מָטָ֖ר17 of 20

rain

H4306

rain

עַל18 of 20
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֥י19 of 20

upon

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃20 of 20

the earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)


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 18:1 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 18:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study