Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

1 KINGS 17:3KJV
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1 Kings 17:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 17:3 mean?

1 Kings 17:3 records God telling Elijah to leave where he is, head east, and hide by the brook Cherith, which is near the Jordan River. This is a direct command for Elijah to find safety and seclusion during a dangerous time.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Elijah, a prophet in Israel, during a period of severe drought and conflict with King Ahab. The instruction to "hide" shows that Elijah's life is at risk, and the specific mention of the brook Cherith gives a real location where Elijah will be sustained and protected for a time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 17:3

  • "Hide" (סָתַר, sāṯar): This word means to conceal or keep out of sight. Here, it emphasizes that Elijah is not just leaving but actively avoiding being found, highlighting the danger he faces.
  • "Brook" (נַחַל, naḥal): This word refers to a stream or small river, often seasonal. The mention of a brook suggests a place with water, which is significant during a drought.
  • "Cherith" (כְּרִית, Kərīṯ): This is a specific place name. Knowing the exact location helps readers picture Elijah's journey and the real geography involved.

Why 1 Kings 17:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Elijah's actions are not random; he is following a specific and urgent command from God, which sets the stage for the miracles and events that follow.
  • The instruction to "hide" underscores the seriousness of Elijah's situation and the threat from King Ahab, making the narrative more vivid and tense.
  • By mentioning the brook Cherith and its location near the Jordan, the verse grounds the story in a real, physical setting, helping readers understand the practical challenges Elijah will face during the drought.

Where else these words appear

“Cherith” Hebrew H3747 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Kings 17:5 So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

“hide” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

“eastward” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 18:20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.
  • Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

“brook” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 4:13 And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.