1 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 22
And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
4 of 10
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
וַתָּ֧שָׁב
again
H7725
וַתָּ֧שָׁב
again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 10
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
נֶֽפֶשׁ
and the soul
H5315
נֶֽפֶשׁ
and the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Revelation 11:11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.Hebrews 11:35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:Romans 14:9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.John 11:43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.2 Kings 13:21And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.1 Samuel 2:6The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.Acts 20:12And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.Luke 8:54And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
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 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.