1 Kings 18:9

Verse

But Obadiah replied, “How have I sinned, that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to put me to death?

American Standard Version (1901)

And he said, Wherein have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?

And he said, What sin have I done, that you would give up your servant into the hand of Ahab, and be the cause of my death?

Free Bible Version

“How have I sinned that you are handing me, your servant, over to Ahab to be killed?

Geneva Bible 1599

And he said, What haue I sinned, that thou wouldest deliuer thy seruant into the hande of Ahab, to slay me?

King James (Authorized) Version

And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?

Translation for Translators

Obadiah objected. He said, “Sir, I have not [RHQ] harmed you at all. So why are you sending me back to Ahab? He will kill me!

Unlocked Literal Bible

Obadiah replied, “How have I sinned, that you would give your servant into the hand of Ahab, for him to kill me?

Noah Webster Bible

And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab to slay me?

World English Bible

He said, “How have I sinned, that you would deliver your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me?

Young's Literal Translation

And he saith, 'What have I sinned, that thou art giving thy servant into the hand of Ahab — to put me to death?

Context

Elijah’s Message to Ahab

⁸“It is I,” he answered. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here!’”⁹But Obadiah replied, “How have I sinned, that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to put me to death?¹⁰As surely as the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent someone to search for you. When they said, ‘He is not here,’ he made that kingdom or nation swear that they had not found you.

Summary

In this verse, King Obadiah, who served in Ahab's palace, encounters the prophet Elijah. Obadiah's fear and hesitation to deliver Elijah's message to King Ahab reveal the tense political and spiritual climate in Israel at that time. Despite his initial reluctance, Obadiah eventually obeys Elijah's instructions, demonstrating his faith and trust in God's sovereignty. This interaction sets the stage for the dramatic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, showcasing God's power and faithfulness in the face of idolatry and unbelief.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he said, what have I sinned,.... Or in what have I offended God or his prophet, that revenge should be taken on me in this way: that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab to slay me? for that he supposed would be the consequence of it, as he argues and more plainly expresses his sense in the following words.