King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:17 Mean?

1 Kings 19:17 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sw...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 19:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth : and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

Read 1 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 11
H1961

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

וְהַנִּמְלָ֛ט2 of 11

“And it shall come to pass that him that escapeth”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

מֵחֶ֥רֶב3 of 11

“from the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

חֲזָאֵ֖ל4 of 11

“of Hazael”

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

יָמִ֥ית5 of 11

“slay”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יֵה֖וּא6 of 11

“of Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

וְהַנִּמְלָ֛ט7 of 11

“And it shall come to pass that him that escapeth”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

מֵחֶ֥רֶב8 of 11

“from the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

יֵה֖וּא9 of 11

“of Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

יָמִ֥ית10 of 11

“slay”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֱלִישָֽׁע׃11 of 11

“shall Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

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 19:17 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 19:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 13:32 Kings 13:222 Kings 8:122 Kings 10:32Hosea 6:5Amos 5:19

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 19 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes