And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house.(Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:

1 KINGS 18:3KJV
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1 Kings 18:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 18:3 mean?

1 Kings 18:3 describes King Ahab calling Obadiah, who was in charge of managing his household. The verse notes that Obadiah had a deep respect and reverence for the LORD.

In this scene, Ahab is the king of Israel during a time of severe drought, and Obadiah serves as his palace administrator. The verse highlights Obadiah’s important position and his strong faith, which stands out because he works for a king known for leading Israel away from worship of the LORD. This sets up a contrast between Ahab’s actions and Obadiah’s personal devotion.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 18:3

  • "Feared" — יָרֵא (yare’): This word means to have deep reverence or awe, not just to be afraid. The verse emphasizes that Obadiah’s respect for the LORD was sincere and significant, not just outward obedience.
  • "Greatly" — מְאֹד (me’od): This word means “very much” or “exceedingly.” It intensifies the statement about Obadiah’s reverence, showing that his devotion to the LORD was remarkable, especially given his role in Ahab’s household.

Why 1 Kings 18:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that even within a corrupt royal court, there were individuals like Obadiah who remained faithful to the LORD.
  • It sets up a contrast between Ahab’s leadership and Obadiah’s personal faith, which becomes important in the events that follow.
  • The mention of Obadiah’s reverence helps the reader understand his later actions and decisions in the chapter, showing his loyalty to God despite difficult circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“Obadiah” Hebrew H5662 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Kings 18:4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
  • 1 Chronicles 7:3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

“feared” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
  • Psalms 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

“Ahab” Hebrew H256 · used in 81 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 21:4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
  • 2 Kings 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel: