King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:13 Mean?

1 Kings 18:13 in the King James Version says “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 pr... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

1 Kings 18:13 · KJV


Context

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?

14

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.

15

And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 23 words
הֲלֹֽא1 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֻגַּ֤ד2 of 23

Was it not told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לַֽאדֹנִי֙3 of 23

my lord

H113

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

אֵ֣ת4 of 23
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר5 of 23
H834

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

עָשִׂ֔יתִי6 of 23

what I did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּֽהֲרֹ֣ג7 of 23

slew

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

אִיזֶ֔בֶל8 of 23

when Jezebel

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

אֵ֖ת9 of 23
H853

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

מִנְּבִיאֵ֨י10 of 23

prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יְהוָ֜ה11 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

וָֽאַחְבִּא֩12 of 23

how I hid

H2244

to secrete

מִנְּבִיאֵ֨י13 of 23

prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יְהוָ֜ה14 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

מֵ֣אָה15 of 23

an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אִישׁ֙16 of 23

men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים17 of 23

by fifty

H2572

fifty

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים18 of 23

by fifty

H2572

fifty

אִישׁ֙19 of 23

men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה20 of 23

in a cave

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

וָֽאֲכַלְכְּלֵ֖ם21 of 23

and fed

H3557

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

לֶ֥חֶם22 of 23

them with bread

H3899

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

וָמָֽיִם׃23 of 23

and water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


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 18:13 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 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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