1 Kings 17:9
1 Kings 17:9 in Multiple Translations
“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”
Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain thee.
Up! go now to Zarephath, in Zidon, and make your living-place there; I have given orders to a widow woman there to see that you have food.
“Leave here and go to Zarephath near Sidon and stay there. I have given instructions to a widow there to provide you with food.”
Vp, and get thee to Zarephath, which is in Zidon, and remaine there: beholde, I haue commanded a widow there to sustaine thee.
'Rise, go to Zarephath, that [is] to Zidon, and thou hast dwelt there; lo, I have commanded there a widow woman to sustain thee.'
“Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain you.”
Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
Arise, and go to Sarephta of the Sidonians, and dwell there: for I have commanded a widow woman there to feed thee.
“Go and live in Zarephath village, near Sidon city. There is a widow there who will give you food to eat. I have already told her what to do about that.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 17:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 17:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ק֣וּם
לֵ֤ךְ
צָרְפַ֨תָ/ה֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לְ/צִיד֔וֹן
וְ/יָשַׁבְתָּ֖
שָׁ֑ם
הִנֵּ֨ה
צִוִּ֥יתִי
שָׁ֛ם
אִשָּׁ֥ה
אַלְמָנָ֖ה
לְ/כַלְכְּלֶֽ/ךָ
ק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לֵ֤ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
צָרְפַ֨תָ/ה֙
Tsârᵉphath
H6886
Zarephath
N-proper | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לְ/צִיד֔וֹן
Tsîydôwn
H6721
Sidon
Prep | N-proper
וְ/יָשַׁבְתָּ֖
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
צִוִּ֥יתִי
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אִשָּׁ֥ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אַלְמָנָ֖ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
N-fs
לְ/כַלְכְּלֶֽ/ךָ
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
Prep | V-l-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 17:9
ק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
לֵ֤ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
צָרְפַ֨תָ/ה֙
Tsârᵉphath
H6886
"Zarephath"
N-proper | Suff
Zarephath is a city in Palestine where Elijah stayed with a widow during a drought. The city's name means 'refinery', which is fitting because God refined Elijah's faith during his time there, as seen in 1 Kings 17.
Definition: Zarephath = "refinery" a city on the coast south of Sidon and the residence of Elijah during the last part of the drought; modern 'Sura-fend' Also named: Sarepta (Σάρεπτα "Zarephath" G4558)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Zarephath. See also: 1 Kings 17:9; 1 Kings 17:10; Obadiah 1:20.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לְ/צִיד֔וֹן
Tsîydôwn
H6721
"Sidon"
Prep | N-proper
Sidon was an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast, named after a son of Canaan, and is mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city.
Definition: Sidon = "hunting" ancient Phoenician city, on Mediterranean coast north of Tyre Another name of tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Sidon, Zidon. See also: Genesis 10:15; Isaiah 23:2; Isaiah 23:4.
וְ/יָשַׁבְתָּ֖
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
צִוִּ֥יתִי
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אִשָּׁ֥ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אַלְמָנָ֖ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
לְ/כַלְכְּלֶֽ/ךָ
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
Prep | V-l-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 17:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 17:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 17:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 17:9
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 17:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
- Sermons on 1 Kings 17:9
Context — The Widow of Zarephath
7Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.
8Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah:
9“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”
10So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” 11And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 4:26 | Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon. |
| 2 | Obadiah 1:20 | And the exiles of this host of the Israelites will possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath; and the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad will possess the cities of the Negev. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 4:7 | Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 17:4 | And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” |
| 5 | Matthew 15:21–22 | Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” |
| 6 | Romans 4:17–21 | As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. |
| 7 | Judges 7:4 | Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many people. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” |
| 8 | Judges 7:2 | Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many people for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ |
1 Kings 17:9 Summary
In 1 Kings 17:9, God tells Elijah to go to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon and stay there, because He has commanded her to provide for him. This shows that God cares for His people and provides for them in unexpected ways, as also seen in Matthew 6:33 where it says 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.' We can trust that God will provide for us, just like He provided for Elijah, and we can obey His commands with confidence. By trusting and obeying God, we can experience His care and provision in our own lives, just like Elijah did in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God send Elijah to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon?
God sent Elijah to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon because He had commanded her to provide for Elijah, demonstrating His sovereignty and care for His prophets, as seen in 1 Kings 17:9 and also in Exodus 4:24-26 where God provided for Moses.
What does this verse reveal about God's provision for those in need?
This verse shows that God provides for those in need, often through unexpected means, as seen in 1 Kings 17:9 and also in Psalm 23:1 where it says 'The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.'
How does this verse demonstrate God's control over all circumstances?
This verse demonstrates God's control over all circumstances because He commanded a widow to provide for Elijah, showing that He is in control of every detail, as seen in 1 Kings 17:9 and also in Romans 8:28 where it says 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.'
What can we learn from Elijah's obedience in this verse?
We can learn from Elijah's obedience that trusting and obeying God's commands is essential, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as seen in 1 Kings 17:9 and also in Hebrews 11:8 where it says 'By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's provision and care, just like Elijah did in this verse?
- How can I demonstrate obedience to God's commands, even when I don't fully understand the circumstances?
- What are some unexpected ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I trust Him to do so again in the future?
- In what ways can I show hospitality and care for others, just like the widow in Zarephath was commanded to do for Elijah?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:9
Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there,.... This might be a trial of the prophet's faith, to be sent to dwell in a place belonging to the Zidonians, among whom
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 17:9
Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. Which belongeth to Zidon , [ 'ªsher (H834) lª-Tsiydown (H6721)] - which is by or near Zidon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
Zarephath; a city between Tyrus and Sidon, called Sarepta by , by Pliny, and others. To Zidon; to the jurisdiction of that city, which therefore was inhabited by Gentiles. See . And God’ s providing for his prophet, first by an unclean bird, and then by a Gentile, whom the Jews esteemed unclean, was a notable presage of the calling of the Gentiles, and of the rejection of the Jews. I have commanded, i.e. appointed or provided, as before, ; for that she had as yet no revelation or command of God about it, appears from .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
1 Kings 17:9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.Ver. 9. Arise, get thee to Zarephath.] Which was, say chorographere, a hundred miles from the brook Cherith. But the Popish friars stick not at a journey to China or Peru, if their superiors command them to go it. Which belongeth to Zidon.] And was inhabited by Gentiles; to figure out the rejection of the Jews, and vocation of the Gentiles, as our Saviour showeth.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
(9) Zarephath—the Sarepta of the LXX. and of the New Testament (Luke 4:26). It is said by Josephus to have lain between Tyre and Sidon, and by St. Jerome to have been on the great coast-road. Hence it has been identified with a modern village, Surafend, in that position. The words, “which belongeth to Zidon,” appear to be emphatic, marking the striking providence of God, which, when the land of Israel was apostate and unsafe, found for the prophet a refuge and a welcome in a heathen country, which was moreover the native place of his deadliest enemy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
Verse 9. Get thee to Zarephath] This was a town between Tyre and Sidon, but nearer to the latter, and is therefore called in the text Zarephath which belongeth to Sidon; or, as the Vulgate and other versions express it, Sarepta of the Sidonians. Sarepta is the name by which it goes in the New Testament; but its present name is Sarphan. Mr. Maundrell, who visited it, describes it as consisting of a few houses only on the tops of the mountains; but supposes that it anciently stood in the plain below, where there are still ruins of a considerable extent.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 17:9
8–16. Elijah sent to Zarephath and sustained by a widow woman (Not in Chronicles) 9. get thee to Zarephath] This was the city which was known in later times (Luke 4:26) as Sarepta. Josephus says it lay between Sidon and Tyre. There the enemy of Baal-worship would hardly be expected to have sought refuge. and dwell there] These words are omitted in the LXX. I have commanded a widow woman] A source of sustenance hardly less precarious than the supply of the ravens. As in the former case, so here, the command implies that God has prompted her to fulfil His purpose. Elijah has been called, from this event, the first Apostle to the Gentiles.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 17:9
The dependence of Zarephath (Sarepta) on Sidon is indicated in the inscriptions of Sennacherib, where it is mentioned as belonging to Luliya (Elulaeus), king of Sidon, and as submitting to the
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:9
9. Zarephath — An ancient city about half way between Sidon and Tyre, called Sarepta in Luke 4:26, and at present Surafend. “It would seem,” says Dr.
Sermons on 1 Kings 17:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jerusalem Conference Address by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being called by God to deliver a message in an unscheduled manner. He expresses the fear and trembling he feels before |
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True Faith by Albu van Eeden | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the mystery of God selecting a vessel to use. He emphasizes that God not only wants to save us but also desires to use us for His purposes. |
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God Is Able (Time Square Church) by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker shares about their experiences in Israel during a time of drought and political uncertainty. They emphasize the power of God to provide and sustain His |
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Beside the Drying Brook by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the life of Elijah, emphasizing that he was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary feats through faith and obedience to God. He highlights the importance of |
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I Have Commanded the Ravens . . by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of being where God desires us to be, using the example of Elijah who remained faithful whether in solitude or in the presence of others. He rea |
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The True Servant and the Grace of God by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being a true servant of God, rooted in the grace of God. He explains that the purpose of Christian service is to contribute to the f |
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A Message for Christians Who Have Bad Days by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of inheritance and how believers can come out of difficult times. He refers to Galatians 4:1, which states that as long as an he |