And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

1 KINGS 17:7KJV
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1 Kings 17:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 17:7 mean?

1 Kings 17:7 reports that after some time had passed, the stream where Elijah was staying dried up because there was no rain in the land. This verse shows the direct effect of the drought that had been announced earlier and sets up the next stage of Elijah’s story.

Elijah, a prophet in Israel, had been hiding by a brook as God instructed, relying on the brook for water during a severe drought. The verse marks a turning point: even the place of God’s provision is now affected by the ongoing lack of rain, highlighting the seriousness of the drought and preparing for what Elijah will do next.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 17:7

  • "Brook" (נַחַל, naḥal): This word means a stream or wadi, often a seasonal watercourse. Its use here emphasizes that Elijah depended on a natural water source that could disappear in dry times.
  • "Rain" (מָטָר, māṭār): This word refers to rain as a life-giving force in the land. Its absence is the reason for the brook drying up, underlining how the drought affected every part of life.
  • "Land" (אֶרֶץ, ʾereṣ): This word can mean the whole country or region. The verse stresses that the drought was widespread, not just a local problem.

Why 1 Kings 17:7 matters

  • The verse makes clear that even God’s prophet was not shielded from the effects of the drought, showing the total reach of the crisis.
  • This moment sets up the next part of Elijah’s journey, where he will need new direction and provision from God.
  • The detail about the brook drying up connects back to Elijah’s earlier prophecy about no rain, showing the fulfillment of his words and the seriousness of the situation in Israel.

Where else these words appear

“rain” Hebrew H1653 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 7:12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
  • Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
  • Jeremiah 14:4 Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.

“after” Hebrew H7093 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
  • Job 6:11 What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?
  • Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.

“up” Hebrew H3001 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 8:7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
  • Isaiah 19:5 And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“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.