1 Kings 18:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יָמִ֣ים

H3117

days

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

רַבִּ֔ים

H7227

And it came to pass after many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וּדְבַר

H1697

that the word

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

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

הָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ

H452

came to Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה

H8141

year

a year (as a revolution of time)

#10

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֖ית

H7992

in the third

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

#11

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

לֵ֚ךְ

H1980

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

#13

הֵֽרָאֵ֣ה

H7200

shew

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

אַחְאָ֔ב

H256

thyself unto Ahab

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

#16

וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה

H5414

and I will send

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#17

מָטָ֖ר

H4306

rain

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

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

#20

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃

H127

the earth

soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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