1 Kings 17:10

Authorized King James Version

So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֣קָם׀

H6965

So he arose

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

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ

H1980

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

צָֽרְפַ֗תָה

H6886

to Zarephath

tsarephath, a place in palestine

וַיָּבֹא֙

H935

And when he came

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֣תַח

H6607

to the gate

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הָעִ֔יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְהִנֵּה

H2009

lo!

שָׁ֛ם

H8033

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

#10

אִשָּׁ֥ה

H802

woman

a woman

#11

אַלְמָנָ֖ה

H490

behold the widow

a widow; also a desolate place

#12

מְקֹשֶׁ֣שֶׁת

H7197

was there gathering

to forage for straw, stubble or wood; figuratively, to assemble

#13

עֵצִ֑ים

H6086

of sticks

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#14

וַיִּקְרָ֤א

H7121

and he called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#15

אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

וַיֹּאמַ֔ר

H559

to her and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

קְחִי

H3947

Fetch

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#18

נָ֨א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#19

לִ֧י

#20

מְעַט

H4592

me I pray thee a little

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

#21

מַ֛יִם

H4325

water

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

#22

בַּכְּלִ֖י

H3627

in a vessel

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

#23

וְאֶשְׁתֶּֽה׃

H8354

that I may drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps