1 Kings 17:14

Authorized King James Version

For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כֹה֩
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֨ר
H559
For thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
H430
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
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
כַּ֤ד
H3537
The barrel
properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes
#8
הַקֶּ֙מַח֙
H7058
of meal
flour
#9
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תִכְלָ֔ה
H3615
shall not waste
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#11
וְצַפַּ֥חַת
H6835
neither shall the cruse
a saucer (as flat)
#12
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶן
H8081
of oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#13
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תֶחְסָ֑ר
H2637
fail
to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
#15
עַ֠ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
י֧וֹם
H3117
until the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#17
תֵּתן
H5414
sendeth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#18
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#19
גֶּ֖שֶׁם
H1653
rain
a shower
#20
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
פְּנֵ֥י
H6440
upon
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#22
הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃
H127
the earth
soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources