King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:11 Mean?

1 Kings 18:11 in the King James Version says “And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.”

1 Kings 18:11 · KJV

Context

9

And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?

10

As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

11

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

12

And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.

13

Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

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.

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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 · 8 words
וְעַתָּ֖ה1 of 8
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אַתָּ֣ה2 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֱמֹ֥ר3 of 8

“And now thou sayest”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵ֛ךְ4 of 8
H1980

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

אֱמֹ֥ר5 of 8

“And now thou sayest”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַֽאדֹנֶ֖יךָ6 of 8

“thy lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הִנֵּ֥ה7 of 8
H2009

lo!

אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃8 of 8

“Behold Elijah”

H452

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

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 18:11 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 18:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:141 Kings 18:8

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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