King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:21 Mean?

1 Kings 19:21 in the King James Version says “And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of th... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

1 Kings 19:21 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? Go: Heb. Go return

21

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

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 · 19 words
וַיָּ֨שָׁב1 of 19

And he returned back

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י2 of 19

after

H310

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

וַיִּקַּ֣ח3 of 19

and took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

צֶ֧מֶד5 of 19

a yoke

H6776

a yoke or team (i.e., pair); hence, an acre (i.e., day's task for a yoke of cattle to plough)

הַבָּקָר֙6 of 19

of oxen

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וַיִּזְבָּחֵ֗הוּ7 of 19

and slew

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

וּבִכְלִ֤י8 of 19

with the instruments

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַבָּקָר֙9 of 19

of oxen

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

בִּשְּׁלָ֣ם10 of 19

them and boiled

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

הַבָּשָׂ֔ר11 of 19

their flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וַיִּתֵּ֥ן12 of 19

and gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָעָ֖ם13 of 19

unto the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיֹּאכֵ֑לוּ14 of 19

and they did eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיָּ֗קָם15 of 19

Then he arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ16 of 19
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י17 of 19

after

H310

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

אֵֽלִיָּ֖הוּ18 of 19

Elijah

H452

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

וַֽיְשָׁרְתֵֽהוּ׃19 of 19

and ministered

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to


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 19:21 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 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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