1 Kings 17:3
1 Kings 17:3 in Multiple Translations
“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan.
Go from here in the direction of the east, and keep yourself in a secret place by the stream Cherith, east of Jordan.
“Leave here and go east. Hide in the valley of the Cherith brook where it meets the Jordan.
Go hence, and turne thee Eastwarde, and hide thy selfe in the riuer Cherith, that is ouer against Iorden,
'Go from this [place]; and thou hast turned for thee eastward, and been hidden by the brook Cherith, that [is] on the front of the Jordan,
“Go away from here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan.
Depart hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
Get thee hence, and go towards the east and hide thyself by the torrent of Carith, which is over against the Jordan,
“Because you have made the king angry with you, escape from the king and, go to the east, to the Kerith Brook, east of where it flows into the Jordan River.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 17:3
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 17:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ךְ
מִ/זֶּ֔ה
וּ/פָנִ֥יתָ
לְּ/ךָ֖
קֵ֑דְמָ/ה
וְ/נִסְתַּרְתָּ֙
בְּ/נַ֣חַל
כְּרִ֔ית
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
עַל
פְּנֵ֥י
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מִ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
וּ/פָנִ֥יתָ
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לְּ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
קֵ֑דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms | Suff
וְ/נִסְתַּרְתָּ֙
çâthar
H5641
to hide
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
בְּ/נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Prep | N-ms
כְּרִ֔ית
Kᵉrîyth
H3747
Cherith
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 17:3
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מִ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וּ/פָנִ֥יתָ
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
לְּ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
קֵ֑דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms | Suff
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
וְ/נִסְתַּרְתָּ֙
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
בְּ/נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
כְּרִ֔ית
Kᵉrîyth
H3747
"Cherith"
N-proper
Cherith refers to a brook in Palestine where Elijah hid during a drought. It is located east of the Jordan River and its name means 'cutting'.
Definition: § Cherith = "cutting" the brook where Elijah was hidden during a drought; east of Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Cherith. See also: 1 Kings 17:3; 1 Kings 17:5.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
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.
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.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 17:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 17:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 17:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 17:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 17:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
- Sermons on 1 Kings 17:3
Context — The Ravens Feed Elijah
1Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”
2Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah:
3“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.
4And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 12:6 | And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 36:26 | Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, as well as Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them. |
| 3 | Psalms 83:3 | With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, |
| 4 | Jeremiah 36:19 | Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are.” |
| 5 | Revelation 12:14 | But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. |
| 6 | Hebrews 11:38 | The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. |
| 7 | Psalms 31:20 | You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 22:25 | Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.” |
| 9 | John 8:59 | At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area. |
| 10 | Acts 17:14 | The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea. |
1 Kings 17:3 Summary
[In 1 Kings 17:3, God tells Elijah to leave and hide by the Brook of Cherith, which shows that God cares about our safety and well-being, just like a good shepherd cares for his sheep, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4. This verse also reminds us that God often asks us to trust Him and follow His instructions, even when we don't understand why, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting and obeying God, we can experience His provision and care in our lives, just like Elijah did by the Brook of Cherith, and just like the Israelites did in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:4-36.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Elijah to leave and hide by the Brook of Cherith?
God instructed Elijah to leave and hide by the Brook of Cherith to protect him from those who might seek to harm him, as seen in 1 Kings 17:3, and to provide for his needs, as promised in 1 Kings 17:4, demonstrating God's care and provision for His servants, similar to what is seen in Exodus 2:2-4 where Moses was hidden to protect him from Pharaoh.
What can we learn from Elijah's obedience to God's command to hide by the Brook of Cherith?
Elijah's obedience to God's command teaches us the importance of trusting and following God's instructions, even when they may not make sense to us, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse illustrates the concept of faith and trust in God, as Elijah is called to leave his current situation and trust that God will provide for him in a new and unfamiliar place, much like Abraham's trust in God's promise in Genesis 12:1-3, demonstrating that faith is not just about believing in God, but also about obeying and trusting Him, as seen in James 2:14-26.
What role does the Brook of Cherith play in the story of Elijah's life?
The Brook of Cherith serves as a place of refuge and provision for Elijah, where he can hide from his enemies and receive the care and nourishment he needs, highlighting God's ability to provide for His people in the most unexpected ways, as seen in Psalm 23:2-3, where the shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and quiet waters.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's provision and care, just like Elijah did by the Brook of Cherith?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem difficult or unclear, as seen in Elijah's story?
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I reflect on those experiences to deepen my trust in Him?
- In what ways can I, like Elijah, be a vessel for God's work and provision in the lives of others, and what steps can I take to make myself available for His use?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:3
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward,.... From the place where he was, being in danger from Ahab and Jezebel, provoked by his reproofs, threatenings, and prophecies: and hide thyself by the brook
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 17:3
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
Thus God rescues him from the fury of Ahab and Jezebel, who he knew would seek to destroy him. Quest. Why did not Ahab seize upon him immediately upon these words? Answ. 1. This must be ascribed to God’ s overruling providence, who hath the hearts of all men in his hands, and hath oft protected his prophets and servants in such cases. 2. He might say this not by word of mouth, but by letter and message sent to him; as that word is sometimes used, as .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
1 Kings 17:3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that [is] before Jordan.Ver. 3. Get thee hence.] It was a sweet providence, that wicked Ahab had not laid present hold on the prophet, whom afterwards he so sought for to no purpose in all countries. But he slighted him, likely, as an idle and empty headed fellow, no whit to be regarded. That is before Jordan.] That by a direct line runneth into Jordan.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
(3) The brook Cherith—properly “the torrent (or valley) Cherith, facing the Jordan;” evidently one of the ravines running into the Jordan valley; probably on the east from the prophet’s own land of Gilead.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
Verse 3. Hide thyself by the brook Cherith] This brook, and the valley through which it ran, are supposed to have been on the western side of Jordan, and not far from Samaria. Others suppose it to have been on the eastern side, because the prophet is commanded to go eastward, 1Kg 17:3. It was necessary, after such a declaration to this wicked and idolatrous king, that he should immediately hide himself; as, on the first drought, Ahab would undoubtedly seek his life. But what a proof was this of the power of God, and the vanity of idols! As God's prophet prayed, so there was rain or drought; and all the gods of Israel could not reverse it! Was not this sufficient to have converted all Israel?
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 17:3
3. and hide thyself] The prophet’s life would be in danger from the anger of the king and Jezebel, who would consider Elijah not merely the announcer but the cause of the drought. by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan] The rendering gives a fair representation of what was commanded, but the word rendered ‘brook’ is πημ nahal, which is really a torrent-bed, a deep ravine down which in rainy times a strong stream flowed, but which at others was nearly if not entirely dry. Such would make a good hiding-place. The situation of Cherith has not been identified. Josephus gives no form of the name, only saying that Elijah stayed παρὰχειμάρρῳτινί = ‘by a certain torrent-bed.’ Nor does the description ‘that is before Jordan’ help us. It probably implies that the stream from the ravine emptied itself into the Jordan, and hence the valley looked towards the river. But whether on the west side or the east we cannot tell. If the interview with Ahab was in Samaria, and Elijah travelled thence toward the east (Josephus says in contradiction of the text ‘towards the south’) it appears most likely that he crossed the Jordan, and found his retreat in the wilder parts of Gilead, which would be more distant from Ahab and less frequented than any of the ravines in the hill country of Ephraim on the east of Jordan, and with which the prophet would most likely be familiar.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 17:3
Brook Cherith - Rather, “the torrent course,” one of the many which carry the winter rains from the highlands into that stream.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3
3. Hide thyself — “Elijah’s escapes from the hands of his enemies, and his departures into unknown places, are faint resemblances of the mysterious vanishings of our Lord after he had delivered some
Sermons on 1 Kings 17:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Excellency of Knowing God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story from the book of Acts about the Apostle Paul being caught in a powerful storm at sea. Despite the ship being in distress and the crew l |
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Finn-01 Profeetta Elia (Elijah the Prophet) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for God to speak a word and birth an event in the church and nation. He then turns to the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17, highlighting |
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Trust in the Lord Alone for All Your Needs by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about Elijah's obedience to God's commands, highlighting how Elijah initially depended on ravens for provision but was later taught to trust in the Lord alone. |
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Beside the Drying Brook by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the life of Elijah, emphasizing that he was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary feats through faith and obedience to God. He highlights the importance of |
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Hiding Place by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of the hidden life, emphasizing that God's servants must learn the value of solitude and seeking refuge in God away from the busyness a |
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Dvd - 23: Timeless Interview (High Quality) by Art Katz | This sermon by Art Katz discusses his journey from being a professional atheist to accepting Jesus Christ as his Messiah. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the church |
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Timeless Interview by Art Katz | This sermon by Art Katz delves into the importance of authenticity, truth, and anointing in the church. He highlights the need for a genuine relationship with God, the dangers of r |