1 Kings 17:22
1 Kings 17:22 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived.
And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
And Jehovah hearkened unto the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
And the Lord gave ear to the voice of Elijah, and the child's spirit came into him again, and he came back to life.
The Lord responded to Elijah's cry. The boy's life returned to him, and he lived!
Then the Lord heard the voyce of Eliiah, and the soule of the child came into him againe, and he reuiued.
and Jehovah hearkeneth to the voice of Elijah, and the soul of the lad turneth back into his midst, and he liveth.
The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
And the Lord heard the voice of Elias: and the soul of the child returned into him, and he revived.
Yahweh heard what Elijah prayed, and he caused the boy to become alive again [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 17:22
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 17:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
יְהוָ֖ה
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
אֵלִיָּ֑הוּ
וַ/תָּ֧שָׁב
נֶֽפֶשׁ
הַ/יֶּ֛לֶד
עַל
קִרְבּ֖/וֹ
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
אֵלִיָּ֑הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
וַ/תָּ֧שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
נֶֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
הַ/יֶּ֛לֶד
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
קִרְבּ֖/וֹ
qereb
H7130
entrails
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 17:22
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אֵלִיָּ֑הוּ
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.
וַ/תָּ֧שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
נֶֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הַ/יֶּ֛לֶד
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
קִרְבּ֖/וֹ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 17:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 17:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:22
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 17:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:22
- Sermons on 1 Kings 17:22
Context — Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son
20Then he cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, by causing her son to die?”
21Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!”
22And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived.
23Then Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. “Look, your son is alive,” Elijah declared. 24Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:39 | See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. |
| 2 | Revelation 11:11 | But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered the two witnesses, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who saw them. |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:35 | Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. |
| 4 | John 5:28–29 | Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. |
| 5 | Romans 14:9 | For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 13:21 | Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 2:6 | The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. |
| 8 | John 11:43 | After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” |
| 9 | Acts 20:12 | And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive. |
| 10 | Luke 8:54 | But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” |
1 Kings 17:22 Summary
This verse shows us that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, just like He did for Elijah. When Elijah prayed for the child to be raised from the dead, God listened and brought the child back to life. This reminds us that God is still a miracle-working God today, and we can trust Him to answer our prayers, as seen in verses like Matthew 7:7-11 and Psalm 65:2. We can have confidence in God's power and mercy, just like Elijah did, and pray boldly for Him to work in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah?
This phrase indicates that God heard and responded to Elijah's prayer, demonstrating the prophet's close relationship with God, as seen in James 5:16-18, where the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
How did the child's life return to him?
The Bible does not provide a detailed explanation of the mechanism, but it emphasizes God's miraculous intervention in response to Elijah's prayer, similar to other instances of resurrection in the Bible, such as Luke 7:11-17 and John 11:1-44.
What can we learn from Elijah's prayer in this verse?
Elijah's prayer shows his trust in God's power and mercy, and his willingness to intercede on behalf of others, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, where we are called to pray for all people.
Is this verse relevant to our lives today?
Yes, this verse reminds us that God is still a God of miracles and answers prayer, as seen in Psalm 65:2, where it says that God hears our prayers, and in Matthew 7:7-11, where Jesus teaches us to ask, seek, and knock in prayer.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's power and mercy, just like Elijah did?
- How can I, like Elijah, intercede for others in prayer and trust God to answer?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God's power, even in difficult circumstances?
- How does this verse encourage me to pray boldly and expectantly, knowing that God hears and answers prayer?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:22
And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah,.... In prayer, and answered it: and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived; this is the first instance of anyone being raised from the dead;
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:22
1 Kings 17:22 And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.Ver. 22. And the Lord heard.] The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availed much.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:22
Verse 22. And the soul] נפש nephesh, of the child came into him again, על קרבו al kirbo, into the midst of him; and he revived, ויח vaiyechi, and he became alive. Did he not become alive from the circumstance of the immaterial principle coming again into him? Although רוח ruach is sometimes put for the breath, yet נפש generally means the immortal spirit, and where it seems to refer to animal life alone, it is only such a life as is the immediate and necessary effect of the presence of the immortal spirit. The words and mode of expression here appear to me a strong proof, not only of the existence of an immortal and immaterial spirit in man, but also that that spirit can and does exist in a separate state from the body. It is here represented as being in the midst of the child, like a spring in the centre of a machine, which gives motion to every part, and without which the whole would stand still.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 17:22
22. And the Lord heard [R.V. hearkened unto] the voice of Elijah] This is the more usual rendering of the verb followed by a preposition as here. Instead of this verse the LXX. (Vat.) has ‘and it was so, and the child cried out.’ The following words also, in 1 Kings 17:23 ‘and Elijah took the child,’ are omitted in that version.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:22
22. The soul of the child came into him again — That which leaves the body when it dies is sometimes called the soul (Genesis 35:18) and sometimes the spirit, (Ecclesiastes 12:7,) and hence we may
Sermons on 1 Kings 17:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were initially discouraged and disheartened, b |
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Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treasuring and displaying the supreme value of Jesus in one's life. He explains that this can be achieved by finding satisf |
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(Judging - Part 1) Only One Judge by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, Alistair Begg focuses on the importance of not slandering or judging one another. He begins by referencing the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Begg empha |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 41-45 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's timing rather than relying on our own limited perspective. He shares personal experiences of feeling like |
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The Prodigal Church by Ronald Glass | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of appreciation for the majesty of God, the depth of our sin, and the urgency of spreading the gospel in today's society. He emphas |
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Are You Wasting Your Life? - John Piper by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, John Piper reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of not wasting it. He emphasizes the tragedy of retirement, which he sees as a societal push for peopl |
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Compromising Christianity - Keith Daniel by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, John Piper reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of not wasting it. He emphasizes the tragedy of retirement, which he sees as a societal push for peopl |