1 Kings 19:2
Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
H7971
וַתִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 20
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָ֔ךְ
a messenger
H4397
מַלְאָ֔ךְ
a messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 20
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
אֵֽלִיָּ֖הוּ
unto Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֖הוּ
unto Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
5 of 20
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַעֲשׂ֤וּן
do
H6213
יַעֲשׂ֤וּן
do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֱלֹהִים֙
So let the gods
H430
אֱלֹהִים֙
So let the gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 20
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
וְכֹ֣ה
H3541
וְכֹ֣ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יֽוֹסִפ֔וּן
to me and more
H3254
יֽוֹסִפ֔וּן
to me and more
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
11 of 20
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָעֵ֤ת
about this time
H6256
כָעֵ֤ת
about this time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
13 of 20
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
מָחָר֙
of them by to morrow
H4279
מָחָר֙
of them by to morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
אָשִׂ֣ים
also if I make
H7760
אָשִׂ֣ים
also if I make
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
15 of 20
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּנֶ֖פֶשׁ
as the life
H5315
כְּנֶ֖פֶשׁ
as the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כְּנֶ֖פֶשׁ
as the life
H5315
כְּנֶ֖פֶשׁ
as the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
1 Kings 20:10And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.2 Kings 6:31Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.Ruth 1:17Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.Proverbs 27:1Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.Exodus 10:28And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die.Daniel 3:15Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?1 Kings 2:28Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah flees to horeb, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.