1 Kings Chapter 13 · Verse 16
And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אוּכַ֛ל
I may
H3201
אוּכַ֛ל
I may
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
3 of 16
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לָשׁ֥וּב
not return
H7725
לָשׁ֥וּב
not return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אִתָּ֖ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֖ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְלָב֣וֹא
with thee nor go in
H935
וְלָב֣וֹא
with thee nor go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אִתָּ֑ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֹ֣כַל
with thee neither will I eat
H398
אֹ֣כַל
with thee neither will I eat
Strong's:
H398
Word #:
9 of 16
to eat (literally or figuratively)
לֶ֗חֶם
bread
H3899
לֶ֗חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
10 of 16
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִתְּךָ֙
H854
אִתְּךָ֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
מַ֔יִם
water
H4325
מַ֔יִם
water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
14 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Historical 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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of the man of god from judah, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
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.