1 Kings 19:12
1 Kings 19:12 in Multiple Translations
After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
And after the earth-shock a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, the sound of a soft breath.
After the earthquake there came a fire, but the Lord wasn't in the fire. And after the fire came a voice speaking in a gentle whisper.
And after the earthquake came fire: but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire came a still and soft voyce.
and after the shaking a fire: — not in the fire [is] Jehovah; and after the fire a voice still small;
After the earthquake a fire passed; but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a still small voice.
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
And after the earthquake a fire: the Lord is not in the fire, and after the fire a whistling of a gentle air.
Then there was a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire. Then there was a sound like someone whispering quietly.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 19:12
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 19:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַחַ֤ר
הָ/רַ֨עַשׁ֙
אֵ֔שׁ
לֹ֥א
בָ/אֵ֖שׁ
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/אַחַ֣ר
הָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ק֖וֹל
דְּמָמָ֥ה
דַקָּֽה
וְ/אַחַ֤ר
ʼachar
H310
after
Conj | Prep
הָ/רַ֨עַשׁ֙
raʻash
H7494
quaking
Art | N-ms
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בָ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/אַחַ֣ר
ʼachar
H310
after
Conj | Prep
הָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
דְּמָמָ֥ה
dᵉmâmâh
H1827
silence
N-fs
דַקָּֽה
daq
H1851
thin
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 19:12
וְ/אַחַ֤ר
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Conj | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הָ/רַ֨עַשׁ֙
raʻash
H7494
"quaking"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes a quaking or shaking motion, often used to describe an earthquake or a person trembling with fear. It appears in the books of Isaiah and Ezekiel, describing God's judgment and power.
Definition: 1) quaking, rattling, shaking 1a) earthquake 1b) quaking, trembling (of person) 1c) shaking, quivering (of dart)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: commotion, confused noise, earthquake, fierceness, quaking, rattling, rushing, shaking. See also: 1 Kings 19:11; Ezekiel 3:12; Isaiah 9:4.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בָ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/אַחַ֣ר
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Conj | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Art | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
דְּמָמָ֥ה
dᵉmâmâh
H1827
"silence"
N-fs
This word means silence or calm, like the stillness after a storm, as seen in Psalm 107:29. It can also refer to a whisper, emphasizing the quiet nature of the sound.
Definition: whisper, calm
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: calm, silence, still. See also: 1 Kings 19:12; Job 4:16; Psalms 107:29.
דַקָּֽה
daq
H1851
"thin"
Adj
Means thin or small, like a thin cloth or a gaunt person, used to describe something or someone as fragile or weak.
Definition: 1) thin, small, fine, gaunt 1a) thin 1b) small, fine
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: dwarf, lean(-fleshed), very little thing, small, thin. See also: Genesis 41:3; Exodus 16:14; Isaiah 29:5.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 19:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 19:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 19:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 19:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 19:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 19:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:12
- Sermons on 1 Kings 19:12
Context — The LORD Speaks to Elijah at Horeb
10“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”
11Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
12After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.
13When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 4:16 | It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice: |
| 2 | Zechariah 4:6 | So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 4:33 | Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived? |
| 4 | Job 33:7 | Surely no fear of me should terrify you; nor will my hand be heavy upon you. |
| 5 | Exodus 34:6 | Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 4:11–12 | You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words, but saw no form; there was only a voice. |
| 7 | Exodus 3:2 | There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. |
| 8 | Genesis 15:17 | When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses. |
| 9 | Hebrews 12:29 | “For our God is a consuming fire.” |
| 10 | Acts 2:2 | Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. |
1 Kings 19:12 Summary
[This verse shows us that God can speak to us in very quiet and gentle ways, even after big and dramatic events have happened. Elijah was looking for God in the wind, earthquake, and fire, but God was not in those things. Instead, God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice, which reminds us that God is often found in the quiet and peaceful moments of life, as in Psalm 46:10. We can learn from Elijah's experience that God wants us to be still and listen for His voice, rather than just looking for big and exciting things to happen, as in Luke 17:21.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the still, small voice in 1 Kings 19:12?
The still, small voice represents God's gentle and personal communication with Elijah, contrasting with the powerful displays of nature that preceded it, as seen in 1 Kings 19:11, and reminds us that God often speaks to us in quiet and subtle ways, as in Psalm 46:10.
Why did God not speak to Elijah through the wind, earthquake, or fire?
The Bible does not explicitly state why God chose not to speak through these dramatic events, but it may be that God wanted to emphasize the importance of humility and quiet contemplation, as seen in Isaiah 30:15, and to prepare Elijah for a more intimate and personal encounter.
What can we learn from Elijah's experience about hearing God's voice?
Elijah's experience teaches us that God's voice is often subtle and requires us to be still and attentive, as in Psalm 23:2-3, and that we should not rely solely on dramatic or spectacular events to guide us, but rather cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer and meditation, as in John 10:27.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is not limited to speaking to us in grand or extraordinary ways, but can also communicate with us in the quiet and mundane moments of life, as in Matthew 6:6, and that we should be open to hearing His voice in all circumstances, as in Proverbs 3:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has spoken to me in the past, and how have I responded to His voice?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of stillness and quiet in my life, in order to hear God's voice more clearly?
- How do I typically respond to dramatic or challenging events in my life, and what can I learn from Elijah's experience about trusting in God's presence and guidance?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to listen more carefully for God's still, small voice, and what steps can I take to be more attentive to His guidance?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 19:12
And after the earthquake a fire, [but] the Lord was not in the fire,.... As he was when he descended on this mount, and spake to Moses, Exodus 19:1, the Targum, and so Jarchi, interpret all these
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 19:12
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:12
Wherein it is implied that God was present; which peradventure was to insinuate, that God would do his work in and for Israel in his own time, not by might or power, but by his own Spirit, , which moves with a powerful, but yet with a sweet and gentle gale.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:12
1 Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.Ver. 12. And after the fire a still small voice.] This was scintillatio Divinitatis, saith Tertullian, a small sparkle of the Deity, a sweet expression of God’ s mind. And in this gentle and mild breath there was omnipotency; in the foregoing fierce representations there was but powerfulness. God’ s saving revelation of himself, saith Mr Diodate here, is in the gospel only, which soundeth grace and comfort, and not in his terrible law. Hereby also is showed, saith another, that God hath sanctified a voice to be the ordinary mean of coming to his creature, mastering the strongholds of sin and Satan in us.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 19:12
12. a still small voice] Literally, as in the margin of R.V. ‘a sound of gentle stillness.’ There is nothing to indicate to us whether the sound was articulate or not, nor is it said that the Lord was now present, but the action of the prophet shews that he knew the time was come for him to present himself before Jehovah. The Alex. LXX. adds ‘and the Lord was there,’ but the narrative is much more impressive without those words.’ For a similar recognition of God’s presence cf. Job 4:16 ‘there was silence and I heard a voice.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 19:12
A still small voice - literally, “a sound of soft stillness.” The teaching is a condemnation of that “zeal” which Elijah had gloried in, a zeal exhibiting itself in fierce and terrible vengeances,
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:12
12. After the earthquake a fire — The whole mount quaked greatly, as in the days of Moses, (Exodus 19:18,) and the earthquake shock was followed now, as then, by the fiery glare of eastern lightning.
Sermons on 1 Kings 19:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Call of God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and fulfilling our missionary responsibilities. He highlights that living in a global village mea |
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(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 1) the Breath of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker begins a series of messages on the power of the Holy Spirit. He focuses on the use of word pictures by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths. The first p |
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(1 Kings) a Great Victory, and the Aftermath of It by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. He highlights the passion and commitment of the prophets of Baal, but emphasizes that their de |
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What a Jew Does With Jesus by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of disillusionment and despair, leading him to a crisis in his 34th year. As a high school teacher, he realizes that th |
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Fren-08 Elijah the Prophet by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Elijah and the brook drying up during a devastating drought in the land. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living by every |
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Upon This Rock by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the suns |
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History of Revival (1740-1851), 1 by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the common features observed in revivals. One of these features is a great hunger for the word of God, where people cannot hear it preached e |