1 Kings 18:2
1 Kings 18:2 in Multiple Translations
So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria,
And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.
And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab. And the famine was sore in Samaria.
So Elijah went to let Ahab see him. Now there was no food to be had in Samaria.
So Elijah went to appear before Ahab. In the meantime the famine had become severe in Samaria.
And Eliiah went to shew himselfe vnto Ahab, and there was a great famine in Samaria.
and Elijah goeth to appear unto Ahab. And the famine is severe in Samaria,
Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria.
And Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. And there was a grievous famine in Samaria.
And Elias went to shew himself to Achab, and there was a grievous famine in Samaria.
So Elijah went to talk to Ahab. In Samaria there was almost no food for anyone to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:2
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 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
אֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ
לְ/הֵרָא֖וֹת
אֶל
אַחְאָ֑ב
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֖ב
חָזָ֥ק
בְּ/שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
לְ/הֵרָא֖וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Conj | Art | N-ms
חָזָ֥ק
châzâq
H2389
strong
Adj
בְּ/שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:2
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ
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.
לְ/הֵרָא֖וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Conj | Art | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
חָזָ֥ק
châzâq
H2389
"strong"
Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
בְּ/שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
Prep | N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:2
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:2
Context — Elijah’s Message to Ahab
1After a long time, in the third year of the drought, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the face of the earth.”
2So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria,
3and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD, 4for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 6:25 | So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:26 | When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied. |
| 4 | Joel 1:15–20 | Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty. Has not the food been cut off before our very eyes— joy and gladness from the house of our God? The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins; the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered away. How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field. Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures. |
| 5 | Psalms 51:4 | Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. |
| 6 | Isaiah 51:12 | “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 28:23–24 | The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron. The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder; it will descend on you from the sky until you are destroyed. |
| 8 | Hebrews 13:5–6 | Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” |
| 9 | Psalms 27:1 | The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? |
| 10 | Jeremiah 14:2–6 | “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.” |
1 Kings 18:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Elijah went to meet with King Ahab, just like God had told him to, and that the people of Samaria were struggling with a severe famine. It's a reminder that God is always working, even when things seem tough, and that He can use us to bring hope and announcement of His goodness to others, just like Elijah did. As it says in Psalm 37:5, we can commit our way to the Lord and trust in Him, and He will act on our behalf. By following God's instructions, like Elijah did, we can be a part of bringing blessing and relief to those around us, just as the rain brought relief to the people of Samaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elijah go to present himself to Ahab?
Elijah went to present himself to Ahab because the Lord had instructed him to do so, as stated in 1 Kings 18:1, in order to announce the end of the drought and the coming of rain.
What was the condition of Samaria during this time?
The famine was severe in Samaria, as stated in 1 Kings 18:2, indicating a time of great hardship and struggle for the people, much like the famine in the days of Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:10.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Elijah and Ahab?
This verse marks a turning point in the story of Elijah and Ahab, as Elijah is now going to confront Ahab and announce the end of the drought, which will ultimately lead to a confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, as seen in 1 Kings 18:20-40.
What can we learn from Elijah's obedience in this verse?
Elijah's obedience to the Lord's instruction to present himself to Ahab, despite the danger and uncertainty, is a powerful example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, 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.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate obedience to God's will in my own life, even when it's difficult or uncertain?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, like Elijah did, when faced with challenges and hardships?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision and care, just as the people of Samaria needed rain and relief from the famine?
- In what ways can I be a voice of hope and announcement of God's goodness, like Elijah was to Ahab, in my own community and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:2
And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab,.... Which showed his cheerful and ready obedience to the will of God, and his great courage and magnanimity, to face a king enraged against him, and that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:2
And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:2
Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab; wherein he shows a strong faith, and resolute obedience, and invincible courage, that he durst at God’ s command run into the mouth of this raging lion; which was a degree of martyrdom.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:2
1 Kings 18:2 And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And [there was] a sore famine in Samaria.Ver. 2. And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab.] Though a bloody persecutor of the prophets, and to Elijah a professed enemy. Faith quelleth and killeth distrustful fear.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:2
2. And there was a sore famine] R.V. with more strict adherence to the original, And the famine was sore.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:2
2. Sore famine in Samaria — While it is clear, from 1 Kings 17:12-14, that the famine extended beyond the kingdom of Israel, it is still probable that it was especially oppressive in Samaria, and the
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve |
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An Example of God’s Purpose in Our Taking Spoils by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual warfare faced by David when the Amalekites attacked Ziklag, illustrating that such attacks are aimed at undermining God's eternal purpose. |
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Worship - Then Prayer - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prophets as God's gift to humanity, especially in times of crisis. He highlights that the world is currently in a crisis a |
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(Proverbs) ch.27:17 - 28:18 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching wisdom to children from a young age. They highlight the need for parents to prioritize instilling wisdom in their |
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Stop Running From Your Fears by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own struggles with fully committing to God's calling. He recalls a moment when he was preaching about giving one's all for God's glory, |
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John 3:16 by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three key things that made a difference in the lives of certain individuals, particularly the apostle Paul. Firstly, Paul had grasped the purp |
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The Shield of Faith by Erlo Stegen | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having faith as a shield against the attacks of the evil one. It explains that Satan's tactics are like fiery arrows, and faith is |