1 Kings 17:13

Translations

Modern

“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son,

Traditional

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

Literal

And Elijah said to her, “Fear not. Go, do according to your word. However, make for me from it a small cake first, and bring it to me. And for yourself and your son, make some afterward.

Latin

Ad quam Elias ait: Noli timere, sed vade, et fac sicut dixisti: verumtamen mihi primum fac de ipsa farinula subcinericium panem parvulum, et affer ad me: tibi autem et filio tuo facies postea.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son,

Notes

1 Kings 17:13–14

Even though the woman had few supplies (1 Kings 17:12), Elijah asked her to serve him before herself and her son. Like the poor widow who gave two small coins (Luke 21:1–4), this woman was asked to give everything she had to God's prophet. True faithfulness means putting the kingdom of God before personal needs (Matthew 6:33).

1 Kings 17:9–16

Elijah’s faith faced another test. At Kerith Brook, God directly provided for him. When those supplies stopped, Elijah had to rely on a foreign woman's reaction to a divine test. The story has four parts:

The setting (1 Kings 17:8–10a).
Elijah’s test for the widow (1 Kings 17:10b–14).
The woman’s obedience (1 Kings 17:15).
God’s reward (1 Kings 17:15–16).

1 Kings 17:1–19:21

The prophet Elijah's work was closely tied to his spiritual growth. Elijah challenged Israel's interest in Baal, the Canaanite storm god. During this conflict, Elijah saw God's power and support, unlike Baal's weakness. This was shown in Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:1–46). After fleeing from Jezebel, God renewed Elijah's mission at Mount Sinai (1 Kings 19:1–18). Elijah's mission was finished by his successor, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Elijah Jezebel Prophets in 1 Kings

Events

Prophecies of Elijah

Related verses

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Exodus 14:13
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.
Judges 7:5–7
So Gideon brought the men down to the water, and the LORD said to him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink.”
Matthew 28:5
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
Genesis 22:1–2
Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”
Proverbs 3:9
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;
Acts 27:24
…and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’
1 Peter 1:7
…so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Kings 6:16
“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah

Glossary

Bread Cruse Elijah Famine Kings, Books of First and Second Oil Ordain, Ordination Resurrection

Topics

Blessing: Temporal, from God: To the Widow of Zerephath Bread was Formed Into: Cakes Christian Minister: God's Care of Christian Minister: Hospitality to Woman of Zarephath to Elijah Elijah the Tishbite, a Gileadite and Prophet, Called Elias Faith: Widow of Zarephath in Feeding Elijah Frugality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Miracles: Catalogue of Increases the Widow's Meal and Oil Oil used for Food Poor: Kindness to To the Widow of Zarephath Select Readings: Elijah's Miraculous Preserv Ation Self-Denial: The Widow of Zarephath, in Sharing with Elijah the Last of Her Sustenance Self-Denial: Widow of Zarephath Widows: Great Liberality In Women: Widow of Zarephath, Who Fed Elijah During the Famine Zarephath: Elijah Performs Two Miracles In

1 Kings 17:13

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