King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 18:15 Mean?
“And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.”
1 Kings 18:15 · KJV
Context
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.
16
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.
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.
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.
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
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsאֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ2 of 12
“And Elijah”
H452elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
חַ֚י3 of 12
“liveth”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָ֣ה4 of 12
“As the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת5 of 12
“of hosts”
H6635a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָמַ֖דְתִּי7 of 12
“whom I stand”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְפָנָ֑יו8 of 12
“before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּ֥י9 of 12
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַיּ֖וֹם10 of 12
“myself unto him to day”
H3117a 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
אֵֽרָאֶ֥ה11 of 12
“I will surely shew”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
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 18:15 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 18:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge