1 Kings 18:6
1 Kings 18:6 in Multiple Translations
So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself.
So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
So they went through all the country, covering it between them; Ahab went in one direction by himself, and Obadiah went in another by himself.
So they divided the land between them. Ahab went in one direction, and Obadiah the other.
And so they deuided the lande betweene them to walke thorowe it. Ahab went one way by him selfe, and Obadiah went another way by him selfe.
And they apportion to themselves the land, to pass over into it; Ahab hath gone in one way by himself, and Obadiah hath gone in another way by himself;
So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
And they divided the countries between them, that they might go round about them: Achab went one way, and Abdias another way by himself.
So they both started walking throughout the land. Obadiah went in one direction by himself, and Ahab went in another direction by himself.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:6
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 18:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְחַלְּק֥וּ
לָ/הֶ֛ם
אֶת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
לַֽ/עֲבָר
בָּ֑/הּ
אַחְאָ֞ב
הָלַ֨ךְ
בְּ/דֶ֤רֶךְ
אֶחָד֙
לְ/בַדּ֔/וֹ
וְ/עֹֽבַדְיָ֛הוּ
הָלַ֥ךְ
בְּ/דֶרֶךְ
אֶחָ֖ד
לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ
וַֽ/יְחַלְּק֥וּ
châlaq
H2505
to divide
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ/הֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לַֽ/עֲבָר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
אַחְאָ֞ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
הָלַ֨ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/דֶ֤רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
לְ/בַדּ֔/וֹ
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/עֹֽבַדְיָ֛הוּ
ʻÔbadyâh
H5662
Obadiah
Conj | N-proper
הָלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/דֶרֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:6
וַֽ/יְחַלְּק֥וּ
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
לָ/הֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לַֽ/עֲבָר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בָּ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
אַחְאָ֞ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
הָלַ֨ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/דֶ֤רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לְ/בַדּ֔/וֹ
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
וְ/עֹֽבַדְיָ֛הוּ
ʻÔbadyâh
H5662
"Obadiah"
Conj | N-proper
Obadiah was a prophet who wrote one of the minor prophetic books, prophesying against Edom during the time of Exile and Return. His name means servant of Jehovah, and he is also the name of several other Israelites.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Oba.1.1 § Obadiah = "servant of Jehovah" 1) the 4th of the 12 minor prophets; nothing personal is known of him but it is probable that he was contemporary with Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel 1a) the prophetic book by him; prophesies against Edom 2) father of Ishmaiah, one of the chiefs of Zebulun in the time of David 3) a Merarite Levite overseer of the work of restoring the temple in the time of king Josiah of Judah 4) chief of the household of king Ahab of Israel; an devout worshipper of Jehovah who at risk to his own life hid over 100 prophets during the persecution of Jezebel 5) a descendant of David 6) a chief of the tribe of Issachar 7) a Benjamite, one of the 6 sons of Azel and a descendant of king Saul 8) a Levite, son of Shemaiah and a descendant of Jeduthun 9) a Gadite chief, the 2nd of the lion-faced Gadites who joined David at Ziklag 10) a prince of Judah in the time of king Jehoshaphat of Judah 11) a priest, son of Jehiel of the sons of Joab who returned from exile with Ezra 12) a gatekeeper in the time of Nehemiah 13) one of the men who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 13a) perhaps the same as 12
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Obadiah. See also: 1 Kings 18:3; 1 Chronicles 9:16; Obadiah 1:1.
הָלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/דֶרֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:6
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:6
Context — Elijah’s Message to Ahab
4for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)
5Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.”
6So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself.
7Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” 8“It is I,” he answered. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here!’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 14:3 | The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. |
1 Kings 18:6 Summary
In this verse, we see Ahab and Obadiah searching for food and water for their animals during a severe famine. This shows that even in difficult times, we can take practical steps to care for the needs of others, just like Ahab was trying to do (as seen in 1 Kings 18:5). However, it's also important to remember to trust in God's provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, and to prioritize our relationship with Him, just as Obadiah did. By doing so, we can find peace and guidance, even in the midst of challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahab and Obadiah divide the land to explore?
Ahab and Obadiah divided the land to explore in order to find grass to keep the horses and mules alive, as stated in 1 Kings 18:5, to prevent the destruction of any livestock during the severe famine.
What was the purpose of Obadiah's journey?
The purpose of Obadiah's journey was to search for springs and valleys with grass to feed the horses and mules, as instructed by Ahab in 1 Kings 18:5, in an effort to mitigate the effects of the famine.
Did Ahab and Obadiah work together during their search?
No, according to 1 Kings 18:6, Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself, indicating that they searched separately.
What can we learn from Ahab's decision to search for food and water?
Ahab's decision to search for food and water, as seen in 1 Kings 18:5, demonstrates the importance of taking practical steps to care for the needs of others, as also seen in Acts 6:1-4, where the apostles ensured the care of widows.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can apply the principle of taking care of the physical needs of others, as seen in Ahab's instructions to Obadiah, in our own lives?
- How can we, like Obadiah, faithfully carry out our responsibilities even when the task seems daunting or challenging?
- In what ways can we trust God to provide for our needs, just as Obadiah trusted God to provide for the prophets he was hiding, as mentioned in 1 Kings 18:4?
- What can we learn from the contrast between Ahab's self-reliance and Obadiah's faithfulness to God, as seen in their separate journeys?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:6
So they divided the land between them, to pass through it,.... And one took one part, and the other the other part: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself; Ahab not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:6
And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:6
Ahab went one way by himself; not daring to trust any other, Obadiah excepted, lest being bribed by such as had grass for their own use, they should not give him a true account.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:6
1 Kings 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.Ver. 6. And Obadiah went another way by himself.] Ahab had found him faithful; and therefore trusteth him in this weighty business, rather than any other. Of a man that truly feareth God it may better be said, than of Cato, that he never did well that he might appear to do so, but because he could not do otherwise.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:6
6. Ahab went one way by himself] We can see the grievous necessity the land was in when the king himself goes forth on such a quest. No one save the two chief persons in the realm could be trusted to make this all-important search. The LXX. does not specify that Ahab went alone, but makes further mention of Obadiah’s solitary journey, by saying ‘And Obadiah was in the way alone, and Elijah by himself came to meet him.’ There is a reason for Obadiah’s being alone when such a meeting was to take place; why Ahab should go alone is not so clear.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:6
6. They divided the land between them — This shows further how high was the position of Obadiah in the service and confidence of the king.