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1 Kings 17:16

1 Kings 17:16 in Multiple Translations

The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah.

And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

The jar of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of Jehovah, which he spake by Elijah.

The store of meal did not come to an end, and the bottle was never without oil, as the Lord had said by the mouth of Elijah.

The jar of flour did not become empty and the jug of olive oil did not run out, just as the Lord had said through Elijah.

The barrell of the meale wasted not, nor the oyle was spent out of the cruse, according to the worde of the Lord, which he spake by the hand of Eliiah.

the pitcher of meal was not consumed, and the dish of oil did not lack, according to the word of Jehovah that He spake by the hand of Elijah.

The jar of meal didn’t run out and the jar of oil didn’t fail, according to the LORD’s word, which he spoke by Elijah.

And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Elijah.

The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.

because the flour in the jar was never finished, and the jug of oil was never empty. That happened just like Yahweh had told Elijah that it would happen.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 17:16

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 17:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כַּ֤ד הַ/קֶּ֨מַח֙ לֹ֣א כָלָ֔תָה וְ/צַפַּ֥חַת הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶן לֹ֣א חָסֵ֑ר כִּ/דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֖ר בְּ/יַ֥ד אֵלִיָּֽהוּ
כַּ֤ד kad H3537 jar N-fs
הַ/קֶּ֨מַח֙ qemach H7058 flour Art | N-ms
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
כָלָ֔תָה kâlâh H3615 to end V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וְ/צַפַּ֥חַת tsappachath H6835 jar Conj | N-fs
הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶן shemen H8081 oil Art | N-ms
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
חָסֵ֑ר châçêr H2638 lacking V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
דִּבֶּ֖ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בְּ/יַ֥ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ ʼÊlîyâh H452 Elijah N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 17:16

כַּ֤ד kad H3537 "jar" N-fs
A jar is a container made of clay, used for storing liquids or foods. In Mark 14:13, Jesus sends His disciples to find a man carrying a jar of water. This word is also used in Luke 22:10 to describe a container for water.
Definition: jar, large jar (portable)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: barrel, pitcher. See also: Genesis 24:14; Genesis 24:46; Ecclesiastes 12:6.
הַ/קֶּ֨מַח֙ qemach H7058 "flour" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, qemach refers to flour, like the kind used to make bread, as seen in recipes and stories throughout the Old Testament. It is often translated as flour or meal. This word is used in various contexts, including food preparation and rituals.
Definition: flour, meal, meal flour
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: flour, meal. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Kings 17:12; Isaiah 47:2.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כָלָ֔תָה kâlâh H3615 "to end" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
וְ/צַפַּ֥חַת tsappachath H6835 "jar" Conj | N-fs
This word refers to a flat jar or jug used for liquids, like a cruse, as mentioned in 1 Kings 17:12.
Definition: jar, jug (for liquids)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cruse. See also: 1 Samuel 26:11; 1 Kings 17:12; 1 Kings 19:6.
הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶן shemen H8081 "oil" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָסֵ֑ר châçêr H2638 "lacking" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֖ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בְּ/יַ֥ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ ʼÊlîyâh H452 "Elijah" N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 17:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 9:28–30 After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!”
2 John 4:50–51 “Go,” said Jesus. “Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and departed. And while he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive.
3 Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail. ”
4 Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”
5 1 Kings 16:12 So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet.
6 1 Kings 13:5 And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.
7 Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

1 Kings 17:16 Summary

In 1 Kings 17:16, we see God's amazing provision for the widow and her household, as the jar of flour and the jug of oil do not run out, just as He promised in 1 Kings 17:14. This miracle shows us that God is faithful to His word and will provide for us, even when we may not see how. Just like the widow, we can trust in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:33, and know that He will take care of us. By trusting in God's word and provision, we can experience the same kind of faith and dependence on Him that the widow did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the jar of flour and the jug of oil not running out in 1 Kings 17:16?

The jar of flour and the jug of oil not running out signify God's provision and faithfulness to His people, as promised in 1 Kings 17:14, and demonstrate the power of God's word spoken through Elijah.

How does this miracle relate to the broader story of Elijah and the widow?

This miracle is a pivotal part of the story, showing how God cares for the widow and her household through Elijah, and setting the stage for further interactions between Elijah and the widow, such as in 1 Kings 17:17-18.

What can we learn from the widow's obedience to Elijah's word in 1 Kings 17:15?

The widow's obedience to Elijah's word, despite her limited resources, demonstrates her faith in God's provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:3, and serves as an example for us to trust in God's word and provision in our own lives.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?

This verse illustrates the importance of faith and trust in God, as the widow's trust in God's word, spoken through Elijah, results in her needs being met, much like the Israelites' trust in God's provision in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which God is providing for me, even when I may not see it immediately?
  2. How can I, like the widow, demonstrate faith and trust in God's word and provision in my own life?
  3. What are some areas where I struggle to trust in God's provision, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
  4. In what ways can I, like Elijah, be a vessel for God's word and provision to others?
  5. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, like the widow, and trust in His faithfulness to provide for me?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:16

And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 17:16

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:16

God still creating new, as fast as the old was spent.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:16

1 Kings 17:16 [And] the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.Ver. 16. And the barrel of meal wasted not.] There is nothing lost by bounty to God’ s prophets: yea, it is ars omnium quaestuossima, the most gainful of all arts or trades. There is in Spain, they say, a great mountain of salt, de quo quantum demas, tanturn accrescit; from which take never so much, it grows out as much again. Chrysost.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:16

Verse 16. The barrel of meal wasted not] She continued to take out of her jar and out of her bottle the quantity of meal and oil requisite for the consumption of her household; and without carefully estimating what was left, she went with confidence each time for a supply, and was never disappointed. This miracle was very like that wrought by Jesus at the marriage at Cana in Galilee: as the servants drew the water out of the pots, they found it turned into wine; and thus they continued to draw wine from the water-pots till the guests had been sufficiently supplied.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 17:16

This is the first recorded miracle of its kind - a supernatural and inexplicable multiplication of food (compare 2 Kings 4:42-44; Matthew 14:15-21; Matthew 15:32-38).

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:16

16. The barrel of meal wasted not — Here was an exhibition of that same Divine power that in the person of Jesus of Nazareth multiplied the loaves and fishes.

Sermons on 1 Kings 17:16

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Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Matthew - Part 1 by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the beginning of the New Testament with a focus on Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 1. It emphasizes the importance of studying the Word of God with precision, usi
Aphraates Demonstration 1 (Of Faith) by Aphraates Aphraates preaches about the importance of faith as the foundation of all good works, emphasizing that faith in Christ is the cornerstone upon which the entire structure of a belie
Andrew Murray What Wilt Thou? by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of specific and intentional prayer in his sermon 'What Wilt Thou?'. He illustrates how Jesus asked the blind man to articulate his need, hig
Andrew Murray Tenth Lesson. ‘What Wilt Thou?’ Or, Prayer Must Be Definite by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of definite prayer, illustrating how Jesus asked the blind man, 'What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?' to highlight the importance of a
Charles E. Cowman Dealing With the Past by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about God's ability to deal with impossibilities, emphasizing that it is never too late for Him to work miraculously in our lives when we bring our impos
David Servant The Blind and Mute Are Healed Matthew 9:27-34 by David Servant David Servant preaches on the miracles performed by Jesus in quick succession, including healing a woman with internal bleeding, raising a young girl from the dead, restoring sight
K.P. Yohannan A Deeper Understanding by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound connection between faith and belief as revealed in the original Greek language, highlighting how the words 'faith' (pistis) and 'believe' (pis

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