1 Kings 18:9
1 Kings 18:9 in Multiple Translations
But Obadiah replied, “How have I sinned, that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to put me to death?
And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?
And he said, Wherein have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?
And he said, What sin have I done, that you would give up your servant into the hand of Ahab, and be the cause of my death?
“How have I sinned that you are handing me, your servant, over to Ahab to be killed?
And he said, What haue I sinned, that thou wouldest deliuer thy seruant into the hande of Ahab, to slay me?
And he saith, 'What have I sinned, that thou art giving thy servant into the hand of Ahab — to put me to death?
He said, “How have I sinned, that you would deliver your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me?
And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab to slay me?
And he said: What have I sinned, that thou wouldst deliver me thy servant into the hand of Achab, that he should kill me?
Obadiah objected. He said, “Sir, I have not [RHQ] harmed you at all. So why are you sending me back to Ahab? He will kill me!
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:9
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 18:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
מֶ֣ה
חָטָ֑אתִי
כִּֽי
אַתָּ֞ה
נֹתֵ֧ן
אֶֽת
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֛
בְּ/יַד
אַחְאָ֖ב
לַ/הֲמִיתֵֽ/נִי
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
חָטָ֑אתִי
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתָּ֞ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
נֹתֵ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֛
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
אַחְאָ֖ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
לַ/הֲמִיתֵֽ/נִי
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:9
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
חָטָ֑אתִי
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
כִּֽי
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.
אַתָּ֞ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
נֹתֵ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶֽת
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.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֛
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אַחְאָ֖ב
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.
לַ/הֲמִיתֵֽ/נִי
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:9
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:9
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:9
Context — Elijah’s Message to Ahab
7Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?”
8“It is I,” he answered. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here!’”
9But Obadiah replied, “How have I sinned, that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to put me to death?
10As 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. 11And now you say, ‘Go tell your master that Elijah is here!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 5:21 | “May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 18:12 | I do not know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you off when I leave you. Then when I go and tell Ahab and he does not find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared the LORD from my youth. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 17:18 | “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” |
1 Kings 18:9 Summary
In 1 Kings 18:9, Obadiah is afraid that Elijah is putting him in danger by asking him to tell Ahab that he is there. Obadiah is afraid of Ahab because he knows that Ahab wants to kill Elijah, and he doesn't want to be associated with him. This shows that Obadiah is aware of the risks of following God and is hesitant to take a stand. However, as seen in Joshua 1:9, we are called to be strong and courageous, and to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of danger or uncertainty. By trusting in God, we can, like Obadiah, find the courage to stand up for what is right, even if it means facing challenges or risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Obadiah afraid of Ahab in 1 Kings 18:9?
Obadiah is afraid of Ahab because he knows that Ahab has been searching for Elijah to kill him, as stated in 1 Kings 18:10, and he fears that if Ahab finds out that he has seen Elijah, he will be put to death for not revealing Elijah's location sooner.
What is Obadiah's relationship with Elijah?
Obadiah appears to have a deep respect for Elijah, as evidenced by his reaction to seeing him in 1 Kings 18:7, where he falls facedown and addresses him as 'my lord Elijah'.
Is Obadiah a believer in the God of Israel?
Yes, Obadiah is a believer in the God of Israel, as stated in 1 Kings 18:3, where it says that Obadiah feared the Lord greatly, and he had hidden 100 prophets of the Lord to protect them from Queen Jezebel.
Why does Obadiah think Elijah is putting him in danger?
Obadiah thinks Elijah is putting him in danger because he is asking him to tell Ahab that Elijah is there, and Obadiah knows that Ahab wants to kill Elijah, as seen in 1 Kings 18:10, so he fears that Ahab will kill him for being associated with Elijah.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Obadiah, may be afraid to take a stand for God or to follow His will because of fear of what others may think or do?
- How can I, like Obadiah, demonstrate my faith in God by taking risks and trusting in His sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my faith or values in order to avoid conflict or rejection, and how can I, like Obadiah, find the courage to stand up for what is right?
- In what ways can I, like Elijah, be a source of encouragement and strength to others who may be facing difficult circumstances or challenges, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:2?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:9
And he said, what have I sinned,.... Or in what have I offended God or his prophet, that revenge should be taken on me in this way: that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab to slay me?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:9
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 18:9
What have I sinned? wherein have I so offended God and thee, that thou shouldst inflict this punishment upon me, and expose me to certain ruin by this means?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:9
1 Kings 18:9 And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?Ver. 9. Into the hand of Ahab, to slay me,] sc., For not laying hands on thee, to bring thee unto him, for whom he had so long, so anxiously sought.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:9
9. What [R.V. wherein] have I sinned] Obadiah’s fear is very natural. He is asked to carry a message to Ahab, which another disappearance of Elijah may make to seem untrue. He thinks in his alarm that the prophet does not know how great a friend he has been to the cause of Jehovah’s servants, and so asks why his life should be put in jeopardy who had done so much to save the lives of the prophets.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:9
Obadiah thinks that to execute this commission will be fatal to him 1 Kings 18:12.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:9
9. What have I sinned — For Obadiah to announce the presence of Elijah to Ahab would, in his judgment, expose him to the suspicion that he had concealed him during all these years of famine, and thus
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Who Are the Meek and What Do They Inherit by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by Moses when he was sent by God to deliver the Israelites from the grip of Pharaoh. Despite coming with a message of fre |