And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

1 KINGS 21:17KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 21:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 21:17 mean?

1 Kings 21:17 states that God’s message came to Elijah, who was from Tishbe. This verse marks the moment when Elijah receives a direct communication from God, setting up his next actions in the story.

This happens after King Ahab and Queen Jezebel have taken Naboth’s vineyard through unjust means. Elijah, a prophet known for confronting Israel’s kings, is about to be sent by God to deliver a message of judgment. The verse signals a turning point, as Elijah is called to speak out against the wrongdoing that has just occurred.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 21:17

  • word (דָּבָר, davar): This word often means "message" or "matter" and highlights that what Elijah receives is not just any thought, but a specific, authoritative communication from God.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the message comes from the God who has a covenant relationship with Israel.
  • Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu): The name means "My God is YHWH," which is significant in the context of Elijah’s role as a prophet who calls people back to faithfulness to God.
  • Tishbite (תִּשְׁבִּי, Tishbi): This identifies Elijah’s origin, grounding him as a real historical figure from a specific place.
  • saying (אָמַר, amar): This is the common Hebrew verb for "to say," marking the beginning of God’s direct speech to Elijah.

Why 1 Kings 21:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Elijah’s coming actions are not his own idea, but are prompted by a direct word from God, underscoring his role as a true prophet.
  • The mention of Elijah as a Tishbite reminds the reader that God chooses messengers from unexpected places, not just from the powerful or elite.
  • The verse connects the unfolding story to God’s ongoing involvement in Israel’s history, showing that injustice does not go unnoticed by God.

Where else these words appear

“Tishbite” Hebrew H8664 · used in 6 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 21:28 And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
  • 2 Kings 1:8 And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

“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 18:30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.
  • 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.