For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

1 KINGS 17:14KJV
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1 Kings 17:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 17:14 mean?

1 Kings 17:14 promises that the supply of meal (flour) and oil in a widow’s house will not run out until God sends rain again on the land. This is a message from God, delivered by the prophet Elijah, assuring the widow that her basic needs will be miraculously provided for during a time of drought and famine.

In this verse, Elijah is speaking to a widow in the town of Zarephath, who is preparing to use the last of her food for herself and her son. Elijah tells her that the LORD God of Israel guarantees her flour and oil will not be used up or fail until the drought ends. The verse highlights God’s care and the trustworthiness of His promise in a desperate situation.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 17:14

  • "Barrel" (כַּד, kad, H3537) refers to a jar or container, here used for storing meal or flour. The word emphasizes the everyday, ordinary vessel God chooses to fill, showing His provision in daily needs.
  • "Meal" (קֶמַח, qemach, H7058) means flour or ground grain, the basic ingredient for bread. Its mention underscores how God provides not luxury, but the essentials for survival.
  • "Waste" (כָּלָה, kalah, H3615) means to be used up or finished. The promise is that the flour will not be depleted, highlighting the ongoing nature of God’s provision.
  • "Cruse" (צַפַּחַת, tsappachat, H6835) is a small jug or flask, here used for oil. The specific word points to a modest, household item, again stressing God’s care for ordinary needs.
  • "Fail" (חָסֵר, chaser, H2637) means to lack or run out. The oil will not run out, reinforcing the completeness of the promise.
  • "Rain" (גֶּשֶׁם, geshem, H1653) refers to the heavy rain needed to end the drought. The promise is tied to God’s control over the weather and the timing of relief.

Why 1 Kings 17:14 matters

  • 1 Kings 17:14 clarifies that God’s promise is specific and time-bound: the miraculous provision lasts only until rain returns, not forever, showing both God’s power and His purpose.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing Elijah as a true prophet whose words are backed by God’s action, building trust in his message.
  • This verse helps clear up any idea that God’s help always comes in abundance or luxury; instead, it emphasizes daily, sufficient provision in times of need.

Where else these words appear

“cruse” Hebrew H6835 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • 1 Samuel 26:16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
  • 1 Kings 17:16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

“meal” Hebrew H7058 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • 1 Samuel 28:24 And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
  • 1 Kings 17:16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

“barrel” Hebrew H3537 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
  • Genesis 24:20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
  • Judges 7:19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

“fail” Hebrew H2637 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Deuteronomy 15:8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.