1 Kings 17:12

Authorized King James Version

And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And she said

to say (used with great latitude)

חַי

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

As the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶשׁ

H3426

I have

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

לִ֣י

מָע֔וֹג

H4580

not a cake

a cake of bread; parasite

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

מְלֹ֤א

H4393

but an handful

fulness (literally or figuratively)

#12

כַף

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#13

קֶ֙מַח֙

H7058

of meal

flour

#14

בַּכַּ֔ד

H3537

in a barrel

properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes

#15

וּמְעַט

H4592

and a little

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

#16

שֶׁ֖מֶן

H8081

oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

#17

בַּצַּפָּ֑חַת

H6835

in a cruse

a saucer (as flat)

#18

וְהִנְנִ֨י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

#19

מְקֹשֶׁ֜שֶׁת

H7197

and behold I am gathering

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

#20

שְׁנַ֣יִם

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#21

עֵצִ֗ים

H6086

sticks

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

#22

וּבָ֙אתִי֙

H935

that I may go in

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

#23

וַֽעֲשִׂיתִ֙יהוּ֙

H6213

and dress

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#24

לִ֣י

#25

וְלִבְנִ֔י

H1121

it for me and my son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#26

וַֽאֲכַלְנֻ֖הוּ

H398

that we may eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#27

וָמָֽתְנוּ׃

H4191

it and die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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