King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:6 Mean?

1 Kings 19:6 in the King James Version says “And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and dr...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. head: Heb. bolster”

1 Kings 19:6 · KJV

Context

4

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. for himself: Heb. for his life

5

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. head: Heb. bolster

7

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

Read 1 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

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
וַיַּבֵּ֕ט1 of 11

“And he looked”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

וְהִנֵּ֧ה2 of 11
H2009

lo!

מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֛יו3 of 11

“at his head”

H4763

properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)

עֻגַ֥ת4 of 11

“and behold there was a cake”

H5692

an ashcake (as round)

רְצָפִ֖ים5 of 11

“baken on the coals”

H7529

a red-hot stone (for baking)

וְצַפַּ֣חַת6 of 11

“and a cruse”

H6835

a saucer (as flat)

מָ֑יִם7 of 11

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיֹּ֣אכַל8 of 11

“And he did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיֵּ֔שְׁתְּ9 of 11

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיָּ֖שָׁב10 of 11

“again”

H7725

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

וַיִּשְׁכָּֽב׃11 of 11

“and laid him down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

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 19:6 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 19:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:111 Kings 17:6John 21:51 Kings 17:9-15Mark 8:2-3Psalms 37:3

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