1 Kings 17:1-24
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1 Now ElijahI the Tishbite,II of TishbeIII
Notes on verse 1a
I “Elijah” = Eliyyah. From El (God, god) + Yah (the shortened form of the name of the God of Israel; God, Lord); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; God, Lord; the self-existent or eternal one); from havah (to become) or hayah (to be, become, happen)}. This is Elijah, meaning “The Lord is God.”
II “Tishbite” = Tishbi. 6x in OT. Perhaps from toshab (sojourner, settler, tenant; someone who lives in a foreign land – not native born); from yashab (to sit and so to remain and so to dwell; sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly; can mean settling or marrying; continue, endure, or establish). This is Tishbite, which may mean “recourse” or “homesteader” or “returnee.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Tishbite.html
III “Tishbe” = toshab. Related to “Tishbite” in v1. 14x in OT. See note II above.
in Gilead,IV saidV to Ahab,VI
Notes on verse 1b
IV “Gilead” = Gilad. From gala (to lay bare, quarrel, expose) OR from gal’ed (heap of testimony); {from gal (wave, billow, rock pile; something rolled; a spring of water); {from galal (to roll, roll away, wallow, commit, remove; rolling in a literal or figurative sense)} + ed (witness, testimony, recorder); from ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve)}}. This is Gilead, meaning “perpetual fountain” or “heap of testimony.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gilead.html#.Xw_EFShKhPY.
V “said” = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.
VI “Ahab” = Achab. From ach (brother, kindred, another, other, like) + ab (father, ancestor, grandfather; father in a literal or figurative sense). This is Ahab, a name meaning “father’s brother” or “father’s friend.”
“As the LordVII the GodVIII of IsraelIX lives,X
Notes on verse 1c
VII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “Elijah” in v1. See note I above.
VIII “God” = Elohim. Related to “Elijah” in v1. See note I above.
IX “Israel” = Yisrael. Related to “Elijah” and “God” in v1. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (see note I above). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.
X “lives” = chay. From chayah (to live or keep alive literally or figuratively). This is alive, living, lifetime. It can also be used to describe someone’s age. It can refer to animals, plants, water, or a company or congregation of people. It is life in a very broad sense.
beforeXI whom I stand,XII there shall beXIII neither dewXIV
Notes on verse 1d
XI “before” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
XII “stand” = amad. This is to stand up in a literal or figurative sense. So it can be establish, continue, endure, take a stand, act, be a servant, stand still, remain, stand against an enemy.
XIII “be” = hayah. Related to “Elijah” and “Lord” in v1. See note I above.
XIV “dew” = tal. Perhaps from talal (to cover, roof, strew). This is dew or mist as something that covers plants.
nor rainXV these years,XVI except byXVII my word.”XVIII
Notes on verse 1e
XV “rain” = matar. This is rain or downpour.
XVI “years” = shanah. From shana (to change, alter). This is a year, age, old. It can also mean yearly.
XVII “by” = peh. This is mouth in a literal or figurative sense. So, more literally, it can be beak or jaws. More figuratively, it refers to speech, commands, or promises.
XVIII “word” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
2 The word of the Lord cameXIX to him, saying, 3 “GoXX from here and turnXXI eastward,XXII and hideXXIII yourself
Notes on verses 2-3a
XIX “came” = hayah. Same as “be” in v1. See note XIII above.
XX “go” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
XXI “turn” = panah. Related to “before” in v1. See note XI above.
XXII “eastward” = qedem. Perhaps from qadam (to come in front or be in front; to meet, anticipate, confront, receive, or rise; sometimes to meet for help). This is front, formerly, before, east, eternal, everlasting, antiquity.
XXIII “hide” = sathar. This is hide, conceal, or be absent. It is hiding because something is covered – used in a literal or figurative sense.
by the WadiXXIV Cherith,XXV which is eastXXVI of the Jordan.XXVII
Notes on verse 3b
XXIV “Wadi” = nachal. From nachal (to take as heritage, inherit, or distribute). This is a river or stream. It could be a wadi or arroyo – sometimes a narrow valley with no water at all, but in strong rains or when winter snow melts, it swells or floods with water.
XXV “Cherith” = Kerit. 2x in OT. From karat (to cut down, cut off, or make a covenant; there is an idiom for making a covenant, which is “to cut a covenant”). This is Cherith, which means “a cut.”
XXVI “east” = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XI above.
XXVII “Jordan” = Yarden. From yarad (to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense; going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy). This is the Jordan River, meaning “descending.”
4 XXVIIIYou shall drinkXXIX from the wadi, and I have commandedXXX the ravensXXXI to feedXXXII you there.”
Notes on verse 4
XXVIII {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “be” in v1. See note XIII above.
XXIX “drink” = shathah. This is to drink literally or figuratively. It could also be a drinker.
XXX “commanded” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
XXXI “ravens” = oreb. 10x in OT. Perhaps from arab (to grow dark, become gloomy); from ereb (evening, night, twilight) or from arab (to bargain, barter, give or take in pledge; to braid or intermingle). This is a raven.
XXXII “feed” = kul. This is to hold in. So, it can be to contain, measure, guide, or feed. It can also mean to be able to or sustain.
5 So he went and didXXXIII according to the word of the Lord; he went and livedXXXIV by the Wadi Cherith, which is eastXXXV of the Jordan. 6 The ravens broughtXXXVI him breadXXXVII
Notes on verses 5-6a
XXXIII “did” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XXXIV “lived” = yashab. Related to “Tishbite” and “Tishbe” in v1. See note II above.
XXXV “east” = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XI above.
XXXVI “brought” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
XXXVII “bread” = lechem. From lacham (to eat, feed on). This is bread, food, loaf. It can refer to food more generally for people or for animals.
and meatXXXVIII in the morningXXXIX and bread and meat in the evening,XL and he drank from the wadi. 7 ButXLI afterXLII
Notes on verses 6b-7a
XXXVIII “meat” = basar. From basar (being a messenger, publish, carry preach; properly, this is being fresh, rosy or cheerful as one bearing news). This is flesh, the body, fat, skin, self, nakedness, humankind, or kin. It can also refer to private parts.
XXXIX “morning” = boqer. From baqar (to seek, plow, break forth, admire, care for). This refers to the break of day. So it is dawn, early, morning, or morrow.
XL “evening” = ereb. Related to “raven” in v4. See note XXXI above.
XLI {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “be” in v1. See note XIII above.
XLII “after” = qets. From qatsats (to cut or chop off in a literal or figurative sense). This is outer border, end, or extremity. It can also mean infinite.
a whileXLIII the wadi dried upXLIV because there was no rainXLV in the land.XLVI
Notes on verse 7b
XLIII “while” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.
XLIV “dried up” = yabesh. This is to be dry, withered, confused, or ashamed. It can also be to fail.
XLV “rain” = geshem. Perhaps from gasham (to rain). This is rain, shower, or rainy. It can be used figuratively for blessing or for destruction.
XLVI “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Go nowXLVII to Zarephath,XLVIII which belongs to Sidon,XLIX
Notes on verses 8-9a
XLVII “go now” = qum + halak. Qum is to arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense. Halak is the same as “go” in v3. See note XX above.
XLVIII “Zarephath” = Tsarephath. 3x in OT. From tsaraph (to refine, smalt, or fuse metal; the smelter, goldsmith, or silversmith; figuratively, refine in a literal or figurative sense – to test or try, make pure). This is Zarephath or Tsarephath, a place whose name means “melting place” or “refinement” or “blast furnace” or “workshop for smelting and refining metals.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Zarephath.html
XLIX “Sidon” = Tsidon. . From Phoenician tsydon (Sidon; probably meaning fishery or fishing town). This is Sidon – a city in Phoenicia. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sidon & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidon
and liveL there, forLI I have commanded aLII widowLIII there to feed you.”
Notes on verse 9b
L “live” = yashab. Same as “lived” in v5. See note XXXIV above.
LI {untranslated} = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
LII {untranslated} = ishshah. From ish (man); perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is woman, wife, or female.
LIII “widow” = almanah. Related to alman (widowed); from alam (to be silent, bound). This is a widow or a house that is desolate.
10 So he set outLIV and went to Zarephath. When he cameLV to the gateLVI of the town,LVII
Notes on verse 10a
LIV “set out” = qum. Same as “go now” in v9. See note XLVII above.
LV “came” = bo. Same as “brought” in v6. See note XXXVI above.
LVI “gate” = pethach. From pathach (to open wide in a literal or figurative sense; to open, draw out, let something go free, break forth, to plow, engrave, or carve). This is any kind of opening – a door, entrance, gate.
LVII “town” = iyr. From uwr (to awaken or wake oneself up). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.
LVIIIaLIX widow was there gatheringLX sticks;LXI he calledLXII to her
Notes on verse 10b
LVIII {untranslated} = hinneh. Same as {untranslated} in v9. See note LI above.
LIX {untranslated} = ishshah. Same as {untranslated} in v9. See note LII above.
LX “gathering” = qashash. 8x in OT. This is to gather or forage, generally either sticks or straw.
LXI “sticks” = ets. Perhaps from atsah (to shut, fasten, firm up, to close one’s eyes). This is tree or other things related to trees like wood, sticks, or stalks. It can also refer to wood products like a plank or staff or gallows. Additionally, this can refer to a carpenter.
LXII “called” = qara. This is to call or call out – to call someone by name. Also used more broadly for calling forth.
and said, “BringLXIII, LXIV me a littleLXV waterLXVI in a vessel,LXVII so that I may drink.”
Notes on verse 10c
LXIII “bring” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
LXIV {untranslated} = na. This particle is used for requests or for urging. It can be we pray, now, I ask you, oh. This is the same “na” in “hosanna.”
LXV “little” = me’at. From ma’at (being or becoming small, decrease, diminish, pare off). This is a little or few, lightly little while, very small matter.
LXVI “water” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
LXVII “vessel” = keli. From kalah (to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed). This is something that was prepared – any implement, utensil, article, vessel, weapon, or instrument. Also includes jewels, weapons, bags, carriages, and furniture.
11 As she was going to bringLXVIII it, he called to her and said, “BringLXIX, LXX me a morselLXXI of bread in your hand.”LXXII
Notes on verse 11
LXVIII “bring” = laqach. Same as “bring” in v10. See note LXIII above.
LXIX “bring” = laqach. Same as “bring” in v10. See note LXIII above.
LXX {untranslated} = na. Same as {untranslated} in v10. See note LXIV above.
LXXI “morsel” = path. 15x in OT. From pathath (to crumble, open, break). This is a piece, morsel, or fragment.
LXXII “hand” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.
12 But she said, “As the Lord your God lives,LXXIII I haveLXXIV nothing baked,LXXV only a handfulLXXVI
Notes on verse 12a
LXXIII “lives” = chay. Same as “lives” in v1. See note X above.
LXXIV “have” = yesh. This is being, existence, or substance.
LXXV “baked” = maog. 2x in OT. From the same as uggah (bread cake, round ash cake); perhaps from ug (to gyrate, bake; baking a round cake). This is a cake, bread, feast, parasite.
LXXVI “handful” = melo + kaph. Melo is from male (fill, satisfy, replenish, accomplish, fulfill, confirm, or consecrate; fill in a literal or figurative sense). This is fullness in a literal or figurative sense. Kaph is from kaphaph (to bend – from a root meaning curve or bend down). This is palm of the hand or sole of the foot, footstep, grasp. Figuratively, it can also mean power.
of mealLXXVII in a jarLXXVIII and a little oilLXXIX in a jug;LXXX
Notes on verse 12b
LXXVII “meal” = qemach. 15x in OT. Root perhaps meaning to grind. This is something ground, such as flour, meal, or grain.
LXXVIII “jar” = kad. 18x in OT– 9x in Genesis 24 re: Isaac meeting Rebekah, 4x in Judges 7 of the empty jars that Gideon’s men had; 3x in 1 Kings 17 of the jar belonging to the widow of Zarephath, 1x in 1 Kings 18 of the jars filled with water as part of Elijah’s contest with the priests of Baal, and 1x in Ecclesiastes 12 regarding an extended metaphor of youth and old age – here a broken pitcher. This is a jar, pitcher, bowl, or pail. The root might mean to deepen. It is a vessel made of clay – earthenware, used domestically.
LXXIX “oil” = shemen. From shamen (to shine, which implies being oily, growing fat). This is fat, oil, grease, olive oil – often with perfume. Used figuratively for fertile, lavish, rich.
LXXX “jug” = tsappachath. 7x in OT. This is jar, cruse, or saucer.
LXXXII am now gathering a coupleLXXXII of sticks so that I may go homeLXXXIII and prepareLXXXIV it for myself and my son,LXXXV that we may eatLXXXVI it and die.”LXXXVII
Notes on verse 12c
LXXXI {untranslated} = hen. Related to {untranslated} in v9. See note LI above.
LXXXII “couple” = shenayim. From sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
LXXXIII “go home” = bo. Same as “brought” in v6. See note XXXVI above.
LXXXIV “prepare” = asah. Same as “did” in v5. See note XXXIII above.
LXXXV “son” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXVI “eat” = akal. This is to eat, devour, burn up, or otherwise consume. It can be eating in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXVII “die” = mut. This is to die in a literal or figurative sense. It can also refer to being a dead body.
13 Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid;LXXXVIII goLXXXIX and do as you have said,XC but firstXCI
Notes on verse 13a
LXXXVIII “be afraid” = yare. This is to fear, be afraid, dreadful. It can also refer to fearful reverence – to fear in a moral sense is to say to revere, respect.
LXXXIX “go” = bo. Same as “brought” in v6. See note XXXVI above.
XC “said” = dabar. Same as “word” in v1. See note XVIII above.
XCI “first” = rishon. From rishah (beginning or early time); from rosh (head, captain, or chief; excellent or the forefront; first in position or in statue or in time). This is first, former, ancestor, beginning, ranked first.
makeXCII me a littleXCIII cakeXCIV of it and bringXCV it to me, and afterwardXCVI make something for yourself and your son.
Notes on verse 13b
XCII “make” = asah. Same as “did” in v5. See note XXXIII above.
XCIII “little” = qatan. From quwt (grieved, cut off, to detest). This is least, small, young, little one. It is literally smaller whether in amount or size. Figuratively it is smaller in the sense of younger or less important.
XCIV “cake” = uggah. Related to “baked” in v12. 7x in OT. See note LXXV above.
XCV “bring” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
XCVI “afterward” = acharon. From achar (to be behind, delay, be late, procrastinate, continue). This is end, last, coming behind, to loiter, later. It can also refer to the west.
14 For thus saysXCVII the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptiedXCVIII and the jug of oil will not failXCIX until the dayC
Notes on verse 14a
XCVII “says” = amar. Same as “said” in v1. See note V above.
XCVIII “emptied” = kalah. Related to “vessel” in v10. See note LXVII above.
XCIX “fail” = chaser. This is to lack, abate, have need of, bereave, fail.
C “day” = yom. Same as “while” in v7. See note XLIII above.
that the Lord sendsCI rainCII onCIII the earth.”CIV
Notes on verse 14b
CI “sends” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
CII “rain” = geshem. Same as “rain” in 7. See note XLV above.
CIII {untranslated} = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XI above.
CIV “earth” = adamah. From the same as adam (man, humankind); perhaps from ‘adom (to be red). This is ground, earth, soil as red, or land.
15 She wentCV and did as Elijah said,CVI so that she as well as he and her householdCVII ate for many days. 16 The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail,CVIII according to the word of the Lord that he spokeCIX byCX Elijah.
Notes on verses 15-16
CV “went” = halak. Same as “go” in v3. See note XX above.
CVI “said” = dabar. Same as “word” in v1. See note XVIII above.
CVII “household” = bayit. Related to “son” in v12. Probably from banah (see note LXXXV above). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
CVIII “fail” = chaser. Related to “fail” in v14. 19x in OT. From chaser (see note XCIX above). This is needy, lacking, without, void, or destitute. This is “I shall not want” from Psalm 23:1.
CIX “spoke” = dabar. Related to “word” in v1. See note XVIII above.
CX {untranslated} = yad. Same as “hand” in v11. See note LXXII above.
17 CXIAfterCXII thisCXIII the son of the woman,CXIV the mistressCXV of the house,CXVI became ill;CXVII
Notes on verse 17a
CXI {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “be” in v1. See note XIII above.
CXII “after” = achar. Related to “afterward” in v13. See note XCVI above.
CXIII {untranslated} = dabar. Same as “word” in v1. See note XVIII above.
CXIV “woman” = ishshah. Same as {untranslated} in v9. See note LII above.
CXV “mistress” = baalah. 4x in OT. From baal (owner, master, husband); from ba’al (to marry, have dominion over, to master). This is a mistress.
CXVI “house” = bayit. Same as “household” in v15. See note CVII above.
CXVII “became ill” = chalah. Properly, this is to be worn; hence, being weak, sick, or afflicted. It can also mean to grieve or, positively, to flatter or entreat.
his illnessCXVIII was soCXIX severeCXX that there was no breathCXXI leftCXXII in him.
Notes on verse 17b
CXVIII “illness” = choli. Related to “became ill” in v17. From chalah (see note CXVII above). This is sickness, affliction, grief, worry, or calamity.
CXIX “so” = meod. Perhaps from the same as uwd (firebrand, a poker). This is very, greatly, exceedingly. It can also mean vehemence, force, abundance.
CXX “severe” = chazaq. From chazaq (to strengthen, seize, be courageous, repair, bind, heal, conquer, harden). This is strong, hard, powerful, loud, bold, violent, impudent. It is usually strong in a negative sense.
CXXI “breath” = neshamah. From nasham (to blow away, pant, gasp). This is a breath or blast – a puff like of wind. It is also a spirit or soul or divine inspiration or intellect. It could also be an animal. This is the word used for the breath of life when humanity was created in Genesis 2:7.
CXXII “was…left” = yathar. This is to jut over, remain behind, preserve, to excel. It can be to leave or to be in abundance.
18 She then saidCXXIII to Elijah, “What have you against me, O manCXXIV of God? You have comeCXXV to me to bring my sinCXXVI to remembranceCXXVII and to cause the deathCXXVIII of my son!”
Notes on verse 18
CXXIII “said” = amar. Same as “said” in v1. See note V above.
CXXIV “man” = ish. Related to {untranslated} in v9. See note LII above.
CXXV “come” = bo. Same as “brought” in v6. See note XXXVI above.
CXXVI “sin” = avon. Perhaps related to avah (to bend, twist, be amiss). This is sin, mischief, guilt, fault, punishment for iniquity, or moral evil.
CXXVII “bring…to remembrance” = zakar. This is to remember, to mark something so that it can be recalled, to be mindful of, to mention.
CXXVIII “cause the death” = mut. Same as “die” in v12. See note LXXXVII above.
19 But he saidCXXIX to her, “GiveCXXX me your son.” He tookCXXXI him from her bosom,CXXXII
Notes on verse 19a
CXXIX “said” = amar. Same as “said” in v1. See note V above.
CXXX “give” = natan. Same as “sends” in v14. See note CI above.
CXXXI “took” = laqach. Same as “bring” in v10. See note LXIII above.
CXXXII “bosom” = cheq. Root may mean to enclose. This is bosom in a literal or figurative sense. So, this could be arms, lap, or midst. It can also be care or cherish.
carried him upCXXXIII into the upper chamberCXXXIV where he was lodging,CXXXV and laidCXXXVI him on his own bed.CXXXVII
Notes on verse 19b
CXXXIII “carried…up” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXXIV “upper chamber” = aliyyah. Related to “carried…up” in v19. 19x in OT. From alah (see note CXXXIII above). This is a lofty place. So, it could be stairs, an upstairs room, or a chamber on the roof. It could also be an ascent or the sky.
CXXXV “lodging” = yashab. Same as “lived” in v5. See note XXXIV above.
CXXXVI “laid” = shakab. This is to lie down, lodge. It is lying for sleep, sex, or other reasons.
CXXXVII “bed” = mittah. From natah (to stretch or spread out, extend, bend). This is a couch or bed that is spread out to sleep on or for eating. It can also refer to a litter or a bier.
20 He cried outCXXXVIII to the Lord,CXXXIX, CXL “O LordCXLI my God,
Notes on verse 20a
CXXXVIII “cried out” = qara. Same as “called” in v10. See note LXII above.
CXXXIX “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “Elijah” and “Lord” and “be” in v1. From the same as YHVH (see note I above). This is a secondary spelling of the Lord, the name of the God of Israel. It has the same meaning.
CXL {untranslated} = amar. Same as “said” in v1. See note V above.
CXLI “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v20. See note CXL above.
have you brought calamityCXLII evenCXLIII upon the widow with whom I am staying,CXLIV by killingCXLV her son?”
Notes on verse 20b
CXLII “brought calamity” = ra’a’. This is to be evil, bad, afflict. Properly, it means to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces. Figuratively, it is to cause something to be worthless. It is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense – something that displeases, does harm or mischief, punishes or vexes.
CXLIII “even” = gam. This is also, moreover, again.
CXLIV “staying” = gur. Properly, this is the act of turning off the road for any reason. So, it means sojourning, becoming a guest. It can mean being fearful since one is outside of home territory. It can also mean dwelling, living, or inhabiting if one has turned off the root to encamp for a longer duration. This word is where the Hebrew “ger” comes from, which is the word translated “stranger” or “resident alien.”
CXLV “killing” = mut. Same as “die” in v12. See note LXXXVII above.
21 Then he stretchedCXLVI himself upon the childCXLVII threeCXLVIII timesCXLIX and cried out to the Lord,CL, CLI
Notes on verse 21a
CXLVI “stretched” = madad. This is to measure, stretch, be extended, continue.
CXLVII “child” = yeled. From yalad (to bear, bring forth; can mean to act as midwife or to show one’s lineage). This is something born – so, offspring, youth, fruit. It is the same word used in Isaiah 9:6 “for a child will be born to us.”
CXLVIII “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
CXLIX “times” = paam. From paam (to move, trouble; to tap in a regular rhythm; to agitate). This is a beat, stroke, footstep, or occurrence.
CL “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note VII above.
CLI {untranslated} = amar. Same as “said” in v1. See note V above.
“O LordCLII my God, letCLIII this child’s lifeCLIV come intoCLV him again.”CLVI
Notes on verse 21b
CLII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note VII above.
CLIII {untranslated} = na. Same as {untranslated} in v10. See note LXIV above.
CLIV “life” = nephesh. Related to naphash (to refresh or be refreshed). This is soul, self, person, emotion. It is a breathing creature. Can also refer to appetites and desires.
CLV “into” = qereb. Perhaps from qarab (to come near or approach). This is among, in the midst, before, the center It is the inward part, whether literal or figurative. It can also be used for the heart, the site of thoughts and feelings. This word is also used as a technical term for the entrails of the animals who are sacrificed.
CLVI “come…again” = shub. To turn back, return, turn away – literally or figuratively. Doesn’t necessarily imply going back to where you started from. This is also the root verb for the Hebrew word for repentance “teshubah.”
22 The LordCLVII listenedCLVIII to the voiceCLIX of Elijah;
Notes on verse 22a
CLVII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note VII above.
CLVIII “listened” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.
CLIX “voice” = qol. This is a sound, used often for human voices. Also used when God speaks or angels, animals or instruments. It can be a cry or a noise, thunder or earthquakes and so on.
the lifeCLX of the child came intoCLXI him again,CLXII and he revived.CLXIII
Notes on verse 22b
CLX “life” = nephesh. Same as “life” in v21. See note CLIV above.
CLXI “into” = qereb. Same as “into” in v21. See note CLV above.
CLXII “came…again” = shub. Same as “come…again” in v21. See note CLVI above.
CLXIII “revived” = chayah. Related to “lives” in v1. See note X above.
23 Elijah took the child, brought him downCLXIV from the upper chamber into the house, and gave him to his mother;CLXV then Elijah said,CLXVI “See,CLXVII your son is alive.”CLXVIII
Notes on verse 23
CLXIV “brought…down” = yarad. Related to “Jordan” in v3. See note XXVII above.
CLXV “mother” = em. This is a mother as binding a family together or a breeding female animal. It could be mother in a literal or figurative sense.
CLXVI “said” = amar. Same as “said” in v1. See note V above.
CLXVII “see” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
CLXVIII “alive” = chay. Same as “lives” in v1. See note X above.
24 So the woman saidCLXIX to Elijah, “NowCLXX I knowCLXXI that you are a man of God
Notes on verse 24a
CLXIX “said” = amar. Same as “said” in v1. See note V above.
CLXX “now” = attah. Perhaps from et (a period or season; whenever or continually); probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is now, from now on.
CLXXI “know” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.
and that the word of the LordCLXXII in your mouthCLXXIII is truth.”CLXXIV
Notes on verse 24b
CLXXII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note VII above.
CLXXIII “mouth” = peh. Same as “by” in v1. See note XVII above.
CLXXIV “truth” = emet. From aman (to believe, endure, fulfill, confirm, support, be faithful, put one’s trust in, be steadfast. Figuratively, this is to be firm, steadfast, or faithful, trusting, believing, being permanent, morally solid). This is firmness or stability. Figuratively, it is faithfulness, truth, or trustworthiness. This is the same root that “amen” comes from.
Image credit: Relief of Elijah being fed by ravens at the St. George Orthodox Monastery in Choziba, West Bank, Palestine.