And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?

1 KINGS 18:7KJV
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1 Kings 18:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 18:7 mean?

1 Kings 18:7 describes how Obadiah, while traveling, unexpectedly meets Elijah. Obadiah immediately recognizes Elijah, bows down in respect, and asks if he truly is Elijah, addressing him as "my lord."

Obadiah is a faithful servant of King Ahab who secretly honors God, and Elijah is the well-known prophet who has been in hiding. This meeting happens during a time of severe drought in Israel, and Elijah’s sudden appearance is both shocking and significant for Obadiah, who shows deep respect by falling on his face and using a respectful title.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 18:7

  • אֹבַדְיָה (Obadyah, "Obadiah"): This name means "servant of Yahweh," highlighting Obadiah’s devotion to God even while serving in a corrupt royal court.
  • דֶּרֶךְ (derekh, "way"): Often means "road" or "journey," showing that Obadiah was traveling, not expecting this encounter.
  • נָפַל (nafal, "fell"): This word is used for falling down, often as an act of humility or reverence, showing Obadiah’s deep respect for Elijah.
  • פָּנִים (panim, "face"): Indicates that Obadiah literally fell on his face, a common gesture of respect or submission in ancient times.
  • אֲדֹנִי (adoni, "my lord"): A term of respect, not worship, showing honor to Elijah as a prophet.

Why 1 Kings 18:7 matters

  • This verse highlights the tension and danger of the time, as Elijah’s appearance after a long absence is a risky and dramatic event.
  • Obadiah’s reaction shows the high regard in which Elijah is held, even among those serving the king.
  • The meeting sets the stage for the confrontation between Elijah and King Ahab, a turning point in the story of Israel’s struggle between worship of Yahweh and Baal.

Where else these words appear

“Obadiah” Hebrew H5662 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Kings 18:3 And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house.(Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:
  • 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.

“knew” Hebrew H5234 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
  • Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
  • Job 24:13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

“Elijah” Hebrew H452 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
  • 1 Kings 18:31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:
  • 2 Kings 1:13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

“met” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 6:35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
  • 2 Samuel 19:25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?