King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:16 Mean?

1 Kings 19:16 in the King James Version says “And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. Elisha: Gr. Eliseus

1 Kings 19:16 · KJV


Context

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:

16

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. Elisha: Gr. Eliseus

17

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

18

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. I have: or, I will leave


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

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 · 17 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 17
H853

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

יֵה֣וּא2 of 17

And Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

בֶּן3 of 17

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נִמְשִׁ֔י4 of 17

of Nimshi

H5250

nimshi, the (grand-)father of jehu

תִּמְשַׁ֥ח5 of 17

shalt thou anoint

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ6 of 17

to be king

H4428

a king

עַל7 of 17
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 17

over Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאֶת9 of 17
H853

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

אֱלִישָׁ֤ע10 of 17

and Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

בֶּן11 of 17

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁפָט֙12 of 17

of Shaphat

H8202

shaphat, the name of four israelites

מֵֽאָבֵ֣ל13 of 17
H0
מְחוֹלָ֔ה14 of 17

of Abelmeholah

H65

abel-mecholah, a place in palestine

תִּמְשַׁ֥ח15 of 17

shalt thou anoint

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

לְנָבִ֖יא16 of 17

to be prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

תַּחְתֶּֽיךָ׃17 of 17
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc


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 19:16 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 19:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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