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 · King James Version


Context

9

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?

10

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.

11

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:

12

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

13

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?


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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

  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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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

lo!

יְהוָֽה׃8 of 27

And behold the LORD

H3068

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

עֹבֵ֗ר9 of 27

passed by

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

הָר֨וּחַ10 of 27

the wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

גְּדוֹלָ֡ה11 of 27

and a great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְחָזָ֞ק12 of 27

and strong

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

מְפָרֵק֩13 of 27

rent

H6561

to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver

הָרִ֨ים14 of 27

the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּמְשַׁבֵּ֤ר15 of 27

and brake in pieces

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

סְלָעִים֙16 of 27

the rocks

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

לִפְנֵ֣י17 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׃18 of 27

And behold the LORD

H3068

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

לֹ֥א19 of 27
H3808

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

הָר֨וּחַ20 of 27

the wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יְהוָֽה׃21 of 27

And behold the LORD

H3068

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

וְאַחַ֤ר22 of 27

and after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הָר֨וּחַ23 of 27

the wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

בָרַ֖עַשׁ24 of 27

an earthquake

H7494

vibration, bounding, uproar

לֹ֥א25 of 27
H3808

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

בָרַ֖עַשׁ26 of 27

an earthquake

H7494

vibration, bounding, uproar

יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

And behold the LORD

H3068

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


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 19:11 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 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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