Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 26
But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
2 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
οὐδεμίαν
none
G3762
οὐδεμίαν
none
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
3 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπέμφθη
sent
G3992
ἐπέμφθη
sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
5 of 15
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Zarephath (Hebrew Tsarephath, meaning "refining") was a Phoenician coastal town between Tyre and Sidon, about 13 miles south of Sidon and 50 miles north of Nazareth. Jesus deliberately chose an example His audience would find scandalous—God blessing a Gentile in Baal-worshiping territory while judging covenant Israel. The widow's faith and obedience, despite being a Gentile, demonstrated that God honors faith wherever He finds it. Her miraculous provision (oil and flour never running out) and her son's resurrection foreshadowed Jesus' own ministry of provision and resurrection power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice to bless a Gentile widow in Baal-worshiping territory challenge ethnic or religious pride?
- What does this account teach about God's freedom to extend grace beyond conventional boundaries?
- How does the widow's faith despite impossible circumstances challenge your own response to God's word?
Analysis & Commentary
But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. The emphatic construction pros oudemian autōn... ei mē (πρὸς οὐδεμίαν αὐτῶν... εἰ μή, to not one of them... except) stresses God's sovereign choice. Despite numerous needy Israelite widows, God directed Elijah specifically to Zarephath (Sarepta) in Sidon—Gentile territory.
The location is theologically loaded. Sidon was Phoenician territory, home to Baal worship, and Jezebel's homeland. That God sent His prophet to sustain a widow there while Israelite widows starved under covenantal curse demonstrates grace transcending ethnic boundaries. This previews the gospel going to Gentiles when Israel rejects Messiah. The widow's faith (she obeyed Elijah's word despite impossible circumstances, 1 Kings 17:13-15) contrasts with Israel's unbelief.