King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:4 Mean?

1 Kings 18:4 in the King James Version says “For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fif...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 18:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.)

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 · 17 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 17
H1961

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

בְּהַכְרִ֣ית2 of 17

“cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אִיזֶ֔בֶל3 of 17

“For it was so when Jezebel”

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

אֵ֖ת4 of 17
H853

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

נְבִיאִ֗ים5 of 17

“prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּקַּ֨ח7 of 17

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עֹֽבַדְיָ֜הוּ8 of 17

“that Obadiah”

H5662

obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites

מֵאָ֣ה9 of 17

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

נְבִיאִ֗ים10 of 17

“prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וַֽיַּחְבִּיאֵ֞ם11 of 17

“and hid”

H2244

to secrete

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים12 of 17
H2572

fifty

אִישׁ֙13 of 17

“them by fifty”

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)

בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה14 of 17

“in a cave”

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

וְכִלְכְּלָ֖ם15 of 17

“and fed”

H3557

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

לֶ֥חֶם16 of 17

“them with bread”

H3899

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

וָמָֽיִם׃17 of 17

“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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:13Matthew 10:40-42Matthew 25:35Matthew 25:40Revelation 17:4-6Hebrews 11:38

Test Your Knowledge

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

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