1 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 3
And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָקַ֣חַתְּ
And take
H3947
וְלָקַ֣חַתְּ
And take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בְּ֠יָדֵךְ
with thee
H3027
בְּ֠יָדֵךְ
with thee
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
לֶ֧חֶם
loaves
H3899
לֶ֧חֶם
loaves
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 15
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וְנִקֻּדִ֛ים
and cracknels
H5350
וְנִקֻּדִ֛ים
and cracknels
Strong's:
H5350
Word #:
5 of 15
a crumb (as broken to spots); also a biscuit (as pricked)
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יַגִּ֣יד
to him he shall tell
H5046
יַגִּ֣יד
to him he shall tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
1 Kings 13:7And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.2 Kings 4:42And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of jeroboam's judgment and rehoboam's reign, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
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.