1 Kings 17:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹה֩
H3541
כֹה֩
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֛ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 22
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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כַּ֤ד
The barrel
H3537
כַּ֤ד
The barrel
Strong's:
H3537
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִכְלָ֔ה
shall not waste
H3615
תִכְלָ֔ה
shall not waste
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
10 of 22
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶן
of oil
H8081
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶן
of oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
12 of 22
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַ֠ד
H5704
עַ֠ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 22
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
י֧וֹם
until the day
H3117
י֧וֹם
until the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
16 of 22
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
תֵּתן
sendeth
H5414
תֵּתן
sendeth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 22
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֛ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
18 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
20 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
2 Kings 7:1Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.2 Kings 3:16And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.1 Kings 17:4And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.2 Kings 9:6And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.
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
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.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the drought, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.
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.