King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:9 Mean?

1 Kings 19:9 in the King James Version says “And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?”

1 Kings 19:9 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

10

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

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:

Read 1 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, 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.

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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 · 16 words
וַיָּֽבֹא1 of 16

“And he came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֥ם2 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמְּעָרָ֖ה4 of 16

“thither unto a cave”

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

וַיָּ֣לֶן5 of 16

“and lodged”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

שָׁ֑ם6 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְהִנֵּ֤ה7 of 16
H2009

lo!

דְבַר8 of 16

“there and behold the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָה֙9 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלָ֔יו10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר11 of 16

“came to him and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ12 of 16
H0
מַה13 of 16
H4100

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

לְּךָ֥14 of 16
H0
פֹ֖ה15 of 16
H6311

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

אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃16 of 16

“unto him What doest thou here 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 19:9 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 19:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 19:13Genesis 3:9Genesis 16:8Jeremiah 2:18Exodus 33:21-22Hebrews 11:38

Test Your Knowledge

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

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