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1 Kings 17:7

1 Kings 17:7 in Multiple Translations

Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.

And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

Now after a time the stream became dry, because there was no rain in the land.

A while later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.

And after a while the riuer dryed vp, because there fell no rayne vpon the earth.

And it cometh to pass, at the end of days, that the brook drieth up, for there hath been no rain in the land,

After a while, the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

But after some time the torrent was dried up, for it had not rained upon the earth.

But after a while, the water in the brook dried up, because rain did not fall anywhere in the land.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 17:7

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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 17:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֛י מִ/קֵּ֥ץ יָמִ֖ים וַ/יִּיבַ֣שׁ הַ/נָּ֑חַל כִּ֛י לֹֽא הָיָ֥ה גֶ֖שֶׁם בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
וַ/יְהִ֛י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/קֵּ֥ץ qêts H7093 end Prep | N-ms
יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp
וַ/יִּיבַ֣שׁ yâbêsh H3001 to wither Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/נָּ֑חַל nachal H5158 Brook Art | N-ms
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
גֶ֖שֶׁם geshem H1653 rain N-ms
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 17:7

וַ/יְהִ֛י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ/קֵּ֥ץ qêts H7093 "end" Prep | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וַ/יִּיבַ֣שׁ yâbêsh H3001 "to wither" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
הַ/נָּ֑חַל nachal H5158 "Brook" Art | 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.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹֽא 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.
הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
גֶ֖שֶׁם geshem H1653 "rain" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shower or rain, like a refreshing downpour from the sky. It appears in the Bible to describe weather. In the KJV, it is translated as rain or shower.
Definition: rain, shower
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: rain, shower. See also: Genesis 7:12; Ecclesiastes 11:3; Psalms 68:10.
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 17:7

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
2 Isaiah 40:30–31 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

1 Kings 17:7 Summary

In 1 Kings 17:7, we see that the brook where Elijah was living dried up because of a lack of rain, which was a natural consequence of the drought that Elijah had announced earlier. This event forced Elijah to rely on God's provision in a new way, which is a reminder to us that God's care and provision are not limited to one source or method, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4. We can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances change, because He is our faithful Shepherd, as described in Psalm 23 and John 10:11. By reflecting on this event, we can learn to trust in God's provision and care, even in uncertain times, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the brook dry up in 1 Kings 17:7?

The brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land, as stated in 1 Kings 17:7, which was likely a result of the drought that Elijah had announced in 1 Kings 17:1, a judgment from God on the land for their idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:23-24.

Is this event a punishment for Elijah's disobedience?

No, there is no indication in the text that Elijah had disobeyed God, and in fact, he had just been faithfully following God's instructions in 1 Kings 17:5, so it seems this event was a natural consequence of the drought and a test of Elijah's faith, similar to the testing of the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 15:25.

How does this event relate to Elijah's overall story?

This event marks a turning point in Elijah's story, as he is now forced to leave the brook and rely on God's provision in a new way, which is revealed in 1 Kings 17:8-9, where God sends him to a widow in Zarephath, demonstrating God's care and provision for His people, as seen in Psalm 37:25.

What can we learn from the brook drying up?

We can learn that God's provision is not limited to one source or method, and that He can provide for us in unexpected ways, as seen in 1 Kings 17:9, and that we must trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances change, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'brooks' in my life that I rely on for comfort and security, and how would I respond if they were to 'dry up'?
  2. How can I trust in God's provision and care when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging, like Elijah's experience in 1 Kings 17:7?
  3. What are some ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I reflect on those experiences to build my faith in times of uncertainty, as seen in Psalm 77:11-12?
  4. How can I, like Elijah, be open to new and unexpected ways that God may provide for me, as seen in 1 Kings 17:8-9?
  5. What does this event reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 103:8?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 17:7

And it came to pass after a while,.... Or "at the end of days" (x), perhaps a year, which sometimes is the sense of this phrase, see Exodus 13:10, that the brook dried up; through the excessive heat,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 17:7

So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:7

After a while, Heb. at the end of days, i.e. of a year; for so the word days is oft used, as in 27:7. And this seems to be a convenient time for the drying up of the brook, which was gradually dried up; and so this agrees well with , in the third year; of which See Poole "". The brook dried up; God so ordering it, partly, for the punishment of those Israelites who lived near it, and had hitherto been refreshed by it; partly, for the trial and exercise of Elijah’ s faith, and to teach him to depend upon God alone, not on any creature, for his support; and partly, to show his own all-sufficiency in providing for his people.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:7

1 Kings 17:7 And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.Ver. 7. That the brook dried up.] So will all human helps and comforts fail, in time, those that confide in them. Only God is an inexhaustible and ever-springing fountain.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:7

Verse 7. The brook dried up] Because there had been no rain in the land for some time, God having sent this drought as a testimony against the idolatry of the people: see Deuteronomy 11:16-17.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 17:7

7. because there had been [R.V. was] no rain] Not only had there been none, but the drought was continuing.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 17:7

7. After a while — Margin, At the end of days. He probably dwelt by the brook Cherith a year. See note on 1 Kings 18:1.

Sermons on 1 Kings 17:7

SermonDescription
Charles E. Cowman Elijah Watched and Waited by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the unwavering faith of Elijah as he watched the brook dry up, refusing to let circumstances shake his trust in God. While unbelief sees God throug
Charles E. Cowman Providence of Loss by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the providence of loss and the ministry of failing, emphasizing the importance of learning to trust in the Giver rather than the gift. Using Elijah
David Wilkerson The Last Revival by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith that drives out fear. He quotes Isaiah 54:4, which reassures believers that they will not be ashamed or repro
Carter Conlon Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pouring kindness and hope into the hearts of others. They explain that by sharing the truths of God with those around us, w
John Piper Staying Married Is Not About Staying in Love, Part 1 by John Piper This sermon delves into the profound reality of marriage as a reflection of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing the divine origin and purpose of marriage. It highlights the
Ray Greenly The Devil's Afterclap by Ray Greenly In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his wife, Jan, being in agony and near death. He describes how he prayed to God for guidance and revelation of any sin t
Charles Finney The Benevolence of God by Charles Finney Charles Finney emphasizes the profound truth that 'God is love,' explaining that this means God is fundamentally benevolent and devoted to the highest good of all beings. He outlin

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