King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:3 Mean?

1 Kings 18:3 in the King James Version says “And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: Obadiah: Heb. Obadia...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 18:3 · 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

4

For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) Jezebel: Heb. Izebel

5

And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts. that: Heb. that we cut not off ourselves from the beasts

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 13

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַחְאָ֔ב2 of 13

“And Ahab”

H256

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

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֗הוּ4 of 13

“Now Obadiah”

H5662

obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 13
H834

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

עַל6 of 13
H5921

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

הַבָּ֑יִת7 of 13

“which was the governor of his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֗הוּ8 of 13

“Now Obadiah”

H5662

obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites

הָיָ֥ה9 of 13
H1961

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

יָרֵ֛א10 of 13

“feared”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

אֶת11 of 13
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

מְאֹֽד׃13 of 13

“greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 18:3 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 18:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:2Matthew 10:281 Kings 16:9Genesis 22:12Malachi 3:16Genesis 39:9

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