And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

1 KINGS 17:24KJV
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1 Kings 17:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 17:24 mean?

1 Kings 17:24 shows the widow telling Elijah that, because of what has just happened, she now truly believes he is a man sent by God and that the words he speaks from the LORD are reliable and true. This is her clear statement of trust in Elijah’s connection to God and the truthfulness of his message.

The speaker is the widow of Zarephath, addressing Elijah after he has raised her son from the dead. Her words come at a moment of relief and amazement, following her earlier doubts and distress. The verse highlights a turning point for her faith, as she recognizes both Elijah’s identity as a "man of God" and the authority of the message he brings from the LORD.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 17:24

  • אִשָּׁה (’ishah, "woman"): This word refers to the widow herself, emphasizing her personal testimony and experience in this moment.
  • אֱלֹהִים (’Elohim, "God"): The word used here for God is a general term for the divine, underlining that Elijah is recognized as someone who belongs to or represents the true God.
  • דָּבָר (davar, "word"): This term means "word" or "message," and in this context, it points to the specific words or promises Elijah has spoken on behalf of the LORD.
  • אֱמֶת (’emet, "truth"): This word means "truth" or "reliability." The widow is not just saying Elijah’s words are accurate, but that they are trustworthy and dependable, which is a strong affirmation of faith.

Why 1 Kings 17:24 matters

  • This verse marks a shift in the widow’s understanding, showing that witnessing God’s power firsthand leads her to genuine faith in both Elijah and his message.
  • The verse connects back to earlier doubts and fears the widow had, showing how God’s actions through Elijah address real human struggles and questions.
  • It highlights the importance of the messenger’s credibility and the truthfulness of God’s word, themes that run throughout the stories of the prophets in the Old Testament.