1 Kings 18:13

Authorized King James Version

Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
הֻגַּ֤ד
Was it not told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#3
לַֽאדֹנִי֙
my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#4
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
what I did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
בַּֽהֲרֹ֣ג
slew
to smite with deadly intent
#8
אִיזֶ֔בֶל
when Jezebel
izebel, the wife of king ahab
#9
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
מִנְּבִיאֵ֨י
prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#11
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
וָֽאַחְבִּא֩
how I hid
to secrete
#13
מִנְּבִיאֵ֨י
prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#14
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
מֵ֣אָה
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#16
אִישׁ֙
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#17
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
by fifty
fifty
#18
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
by fifty
fifty
#19
אִישׁ֙
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#20
בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה
in a cave
a cavern (as dark)
#21
וָֽאֲכַלְכְּלֵ֖ם
and fed
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
#22
לֶ֥חֶם
them with bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#23
וָמָֽיִם׃
and water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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