King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:11 Mean?

1 Kings 19:11 in the King James Version says “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:”

1 Kings 19:11 · KJV

Context

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Read 1 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah flees to horeb, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

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

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 · 27 words

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 27

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צֵ֣א2 of 27

“Go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְעָֽמַדְתָּ֣3 of 27

“and stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הָרִ֨ים4 of 27

“the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

לִפְנֵ֣י5 of 27

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃6 of 27

“And behold the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהִנֵּ֧ה7 of 27

H2009