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1 Kings 18:10

1 Kings 18:10 in Multiple Translations

As surely as the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent someone to search for you. When they said, ‘He is not here,’ he made that kingdom or nation swear that they had not found you.

As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

As Jehovah thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not here, he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

By the life of the Lord your God, there is not a nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent in search of you; and when they said, He is not here; he made them take an oath that they had not seen you.

As the Lord your God lives, there's no nation or kingdom where my master hasn't sent someone to search for you. When a nation or kingdom said you weren't there, he made them swear that they couldn't find you.

As the Lord thy God liueth, there is no nation or kingdome, whither my lorde hath not sent to seeke thee: and when they sayd, He is not here, he tooke an othe of the kingdome and nation, if they had not found thee.

Jehovah thy God liveth, if there is a nation and kingdom whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee; and they said, He is not, then he caused the kingdom and the nation to swear, that it doth not find thee;

As the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. When they said, ‘He is not here,’ he took an oath of the kingdom and nation that they didn’t find you.

As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation nor kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there ; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

As the Lord thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when all answered: He is not here: he took an oath of every kingdom and nation, because thou wast not found.

Yahweh your God knows that I am telling the truth when I solemnly declare that King Ahab has searched in every kingdom all over the world [HYP] to find you. Each time that some king said to him, ‘Elijah is not here,’ Ahab demanded that the king of that country solemnly swear/declare that the king was telling the truth.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:10

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 18:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB חַ֣י יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ אִם יֶשׁ גּ֤וֹי וּ/מַמְלָכָה֙ אֲ֠שֶׁר לֹֽא שָׁלַ֨ח אֲדֹנִ֥/י שָׁם֙ לְ/בַקֶּשְׁ/ךָ֔ וְ/אָמְר֖וּ אָ֑יִן וְ/הִשְׁבִּ֤יעַ אֶת הַ/מַּמְלָכָה֙ וְ/אֶת הַ/גּ֔וֹי כִּ֖י לֹ֥א יִמְצָאֶֽ/כָּה
חַ֣י chay H2416 alive Adj
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
יֶשׁ yêsh H3426 there Part
גּ֤וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms
וּ/מַמְלָכָה֙ mamlâkâh H4467 kingdom Conj | N-fs
אֲ֠שֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
שָׁלַ֨ח shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנִ֥/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff
שָׁם֙ shâm H8033 there Adv
לְ/בַקֶּשְׁ/ךָ֔ bâqash H1245 to seek Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/אָמְר֖וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אָ֑יִן ʼayin H369 nothing Part
וְ/הִשְׁבִּ֤יעַ shâbaʻ H7650 to swear Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/מַּמְלָכָה֙ mamlâkâh H4467 kingdom Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הַ/גּ֔וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-ms
כִּ֖י kîy H3588 for Conj
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִמְצָאֶֽ/כָּה mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:10

חַ֣י chay H2416 "alive" Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
יְהוָ֣ה 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.
אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יֶשׁ yêsh H3426 "there" Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
גּ֤וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
וּ/מַמְלָכָה֙ mamlâkâh H4467 "kingdom" Conj | N-fs
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
אֲ֠שֶׁר 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.
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.
שָׁלַ֨ח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֲדֹנִ֥/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
שָׁם֙ shâm H8033 "there" Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
לְ/בַקֶּשְׁ/ךָ֔ bâqash H1245 "to seek" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/אָמְר֖וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָ֑יִן ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
וְ/הִשְׁבִּ֤יעַ shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּמְלָכָה֙ mamlâkâh H4467 "kingdom" Art | N-fs
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/גּ֔וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
כִּ֖י 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.
לֹ֥א 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.
יִמְצָאֶֽ/כָּה mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:10

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”
2 1 Kings 1:29 And the king swore an oath, saying, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,
3 1 Kings 18:15 Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today.”
4 1 Samuel 29:6 So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright in my sight, and it seems right that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you have no favor in the sight of the leaders.
5 1 Kings 17:12 But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.”
6 1 Kings 17:9 “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”
7 Psalms 10:2 In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise.
8 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.
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 1 Kings 17:5 So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.

1 Kings 18:10 Summary

This verse shows how much King Ahab wanted to find and kill Elijah, a prophet of God. Ahab had searched everywhere and even made other kingdoms promise they hadn't found Elijah, which highlights his determination and ruthlessness. This situation teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's protection, just as Elijah did, and reminds us that God can keep us safe even when it seems like the whole world is against us, as we see in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 34:7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Obadiah think Elijah's presence would put him in danger?

Obadiah believed that if Ahab did not find Elijah after being told he was present, he would be killed, as seen in 1 Kings 18:9 and 1 Kings 18:12, because Ahab had been searching for Elijah to kill him, as implied in 1 Kings 18:10.

What does it mean that Ahab made kingdoms swear they had not found Elijah?

This means that Ahab's search for Elijah was so thorough and desperate that when a kingdom or nation reported they had not found Elijah, Ahab would require them to take an oath, or swear, that their report was true, emphasizing the extent of his pursuit, similar to how oaths were used for assurance in other biblical contexts, like in Numbers 5:19-22.

Why is Obadiah so afraid of Ahab?

Obadiah feared Ahab because Ahab was known for his ruthless behavior, such as when he sought to kill all the prophets of the Lord, as mentioned in 1 Kings 18:4, and because he had the power to execute anyone who failed him, including Obadiah if Elijah was not found after being reported present.

What can we learn about the character of Ahab from this verse?

From this verse, we learn that Ahab was a relentless and possibly brutal king who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, including the elimination of his enemies, in this case, Elijah, highlighting the contrast between his character and that of a godly leader, as described in Proverbs 29:2.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Obadiah's fear reveal about the societal pressures and dangers of following God in a world opposed to Him?
  2. How does this verse relate to the broader theme of persecution and the challenges faced by believers, as discussed in Matthew 5:10-12?
  3. In what ways can we, like Obadiah, sometimes underestimate the power of God to protect and provide for us, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
  4. What does Elijah's presence, despite Ahab's thorough search, say about God's ability to hide and protect His servants, as hinted at in Psalm 91:1-2?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:10

As the Lord thy God liveth,.... Which is the form of an oath he thought fit to make, to ascertain the truth of what he was about to say: there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:10

And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:10

There is no nation or kingdom, to wit, near to his own, where he could in reason think that Elijah had hid himself. Nothing is more frequent than to understand general expressions with such limitations. He took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not; not that he could force other kingdoms to take an oath, but that by his persuasions he prevailed with the chief persons in several kingdoms for his satisfaction to swear that they did not know of Elijah’ s being among them; which was not hard for him to obtain. For Ahab was a great prince, and had a great interest among the neighbouring kings, the king of Tyre was his father-in-law; the king of Moab tributary to him; Jehoshaphat his friend and relation, to whom the king of Edom was tributary. We read also of all the kings of Arabia, and of all the kings of the Hittites, and of Syria, ,29; which as they corresponded with Solomon, so how far they might be allied to or confederate with Ahab we know not; nor what articles or agreements were between him and them, among which this might be one, that they should deliver up to one another all their fugitive or banished subjects upon demand; which might give sufficient ground for his desire or expectation of this oath. Quest. How then could Elijah lie hid in the house of the widow of Sarepta? Answ. That might easily be, either because she herself, or at least others, did not know particularly who he was; or because she used all possible care to conceal him, her conscience and interest both obliging her so to do; or because God secured him there.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:10

1 Kings 18:10 [As] the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, [He is] not [there]; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.Ver. 10. There is no nation or kingdom.] And yet the prophet, by the widow’ s industry, lay hid no farther off him than was Zarephath, a city of his father-in-law Ethbaal’ s. This was God’ s own doing; and the like was done for good Athanasius, who, for the space of forty-six years - so long his troubles lasted - is said to have found no friend but God and death: the one a defender of his innocency, the other the finisher of all his miseries. Some report of him, that he lived six years in a well, without the light of the sun, forsaken of friends, and everywhere hunted by enemies.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:10

(10) There is no nation.—This unremitting search—implying perhaps some supremacy or authority over neighbouring kingdoms—suits ill with the half-hearted enmity of Ahab. No doubt it was the work of Jezebel, in Ahab’s name, connived at (as in the murder of Naboth) by his timidity.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:10

Verse 10. There is no nation or kingdom] He had sent through all his own states and to the neighbouring governments to find out the prophet, as he knew, from his own declaration, that both rain and drought were to be the effect of his prayers. Had he found him, he no doubt intended to oblige him to procure rain, or punish him for having brought on this drought. He took an oath] Ahab must have had considerable power and authority among the neighbouring nations to require and exact this, and Elijah must have kept himself very secret to have shunned such an extensive and minute search.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:10

10. there is no nation or kingdom] Of course Obadiah’s words only apply to those countries immediately around Israel and into which Elijah could be supposed to have fled for refuge. But he employs the language of Oriental hyperbole, so frequently found in the Old Testament Cf. Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 2:25. he took an oath] The search had been made after a very thorough and formal manner, and solemn attestation made of its fruitlessness. The LXX. says ‘he burnt up that kingdom and the countries thereof because he did not find thee.’

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:10

There is no nation ... - This is expressed in the style of Oriental hyperbole.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:10

10. No nation or kingdom — Ahab had sought far and near for the stern prophet, whom he regarded as the troubler of Israel. 1 Kings 18:17.

Sermons on 1 Kings 18:10

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker
Leonard Ravenhill No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Elijah, whom he considers one of the greatest men in history. He highlights the miraculous events and accomplishments of Elijah, s
Leonard Ravenhill Revival by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 6 and highlights three key words: woe, love, and go. The first word, woe, represents confession and recognizing our own sinfu
Leonard Ravenhill 1 Kings 16-18 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the venue and encourages the audience to attend more frequently. The sermon then focuses on the book of James, specif
A.W. Tozer Where Is the Lord God of Elijah? by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker draws parallels between the courage and dedication of the prophet Elijah and the need for believers today to have faith and obedience. He emphasizes tha
Art Katz K-007 the End Time Man of God by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker describes a moment of crisis where a Jewish life is hanging in the balance. The speaker is given the opportunity to speak first and delivers a powerful
Leonard Ravenhill The Bride Prepared by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and how God commanded him to hide himself. The preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing when to show oneself and whe

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