King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:13 Mean?

1 Kings 19:13 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

1 Kings 19:13 · KJV

Context

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?

14

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because 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.

15

And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

Read 1 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 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 · 18 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 18
H1961

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

כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ2 of 18

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃3 of 18

“And it was so when Elijah”

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

וַיָּ֤לֶט4 of 18

“it that he wrapped”

H3874

to wrap up

פָּנָיו֙5 of 18

“his face”

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

בְּאַדַּרְתּ֔וֹ6 of 18

“in his mantle”

H155

something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)

וַיֵּצֵ֕א7 of 18

“and went out”

H3318

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

וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד8 of 18

“and stood”

H5975

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

פֶּ֣תַח9 of 18

“in the entering in”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַמְּעָרָ֑ה10 of 18

“of the cave”

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

וְהִנֵּ֤ה11 of 18
H2009

lo!

אֵלָיו֙12 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ק֔וֹל13 of 18

“And behold there came a voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר14 of 18

“unto him and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה15 of 18
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לְּךָ֥16 of 18
H0
פֹ֖ה17 of 18
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃18 of 18

“And it was so when Elijah”

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

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 19:13 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 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 19:91 Kings 18:42John 21:15-17Genesis 16:8Exodus 33:23Isaiah 6:5

Test Your Knowledge

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