Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’” New Living Translation For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!” English Standard Version For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” Berean Standard Bible for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” Berean Literal Bible For thus says YHWH, God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be used up, and the jug of the oil shall not run dry, until the day of YHWH giving rain on the face of the earth.’” King James Bible For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. New King James Version For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’ ” New American Standard Bible For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘The bowl of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil become empty, until the day that the LORD provides rain on the face of the earth.’” NASB 1995 “For thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.’” NASB 1977 “For thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.’” Legacy Standard Bible For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the face of the earth.’” Amplified Bible For this is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted nor shall the jar of oil be empty until the day that the LORD sends rain [again] on the face of the earth.’” Berean Annotated Bible for this is what the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth. Christian Standard Bible for this is what the LORD God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the surface of the land.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible for this is what the LORD God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the surface of the land.” American Standard Version For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that Jehovah sendeth rain upon the earth. Contemporary English Version The LORD God of Israel has promised that your jar of flour won't run out and your bottle of oil won't dry up before he sends rain for the crops." English Revised Version For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what the LORD God of Israel says: Until the LORD sends rain on the land, the jar of flour will never be empty and the jug will always contain oil." Good News Translation For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The bowl will not run out of flour or the jar run out of oil before the day that I, the LORD, send rain.'" International Standard Version because this is what the LORD God of Israel says: 'That jar of flour will not run out, nor will that bottle of oil become empty until the very day that the LORD sends rain on the surface of the ground.'" NET Bible For this is what the LORD God of Israel says, 'The jar of flour will not be empty and the jug of oil will not run out until the day the LORD makes it rain on the surface of the ground.'" New Heart English Bible For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not empty, neither shall the jug of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the surface of the land.'" Webster's Bible Translation For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblefor this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” World English Bible For Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of meal will not run out, and the jar of oil will not fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor thus said YHWH, God of Israel: The pitcher of meal is not consumed, and the dish of oil is not lacking, until the day of YHWH’s giving a shower on the face of the ground.” Berean Literal Bible For thus says YHWH, God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be used up, and the jug of the oil shall not run dry, until the day of YHWH giving rain on the face of the earth.’” Young's Literal Translation for thus said Jehovah, God of Israel, The pitcher of meal is not consumed, and the dish of oil is not lacking, till the day of Jehovah's giving a shower on the face of the ground.' Smith's Literal Translation For thus said Jehovah the God of Israel, The bucket of flour shall not be spent, and the cruse of oil shall not fail until the day Jehovah shall give rain upon the face of the earth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruse of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth. Catholic Public Domain Version For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘The jar of flour will not fail, nor the bottle of oil be diminished, until the day when the Lord will grant rain upon the face of the earth.’ ” New American Bible For the LORD, the God of Israel, says: The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.” New Revised Standard Version For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor thus says the LORD God of Israel, The pot of flour shall not be spent, and the cruse of oil shall not diminish, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because thus says LORD JEHOVAH God of Israel: the jug of meal will not be spent and the horn of oil shall not fail until the day that LORD JEHOVAH will give rain on the face of the land.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel: The jar of meal shall not be spent, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the land.' Brenton Septuagint Translation For thus saith the Lord, The pitcher of meal shall not fail, and the cruse of oil shall not diminish, until the day that the Lord gives rain upon the earth. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Widow of Zarephath…13“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, 14for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” 15So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household.… Cross References for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 2 Kings 19:20 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria. Jeremiah 35:13 “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem: ‘Will you not accept discipline and obey My words?’ declares the LORD. 1 Kings 18:36 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted 2 Kings 4:42-44 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. Exodus 16:16-18 This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’” / So the Israelites did this. Some gathered more, and some less. / When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat. Psalm 132:15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. and the jug of oil will not run dry 2 Kings 4:2-6 “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. / Then go inside, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these jars, setting the full ones aside.” … Zechariah 4:2-6 “What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps. / There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.” / “What are these, my lord?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me. … Exodus 27:20-21 And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come. until the day the LORD sends rain 1 Kings 18:1 After 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.” James 5:17-18 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops. Deuteronomy 11:13-14 So if you carefully obey the commandments I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, / then I will provide rain for your land in season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil. upon the face of the earth.’” Genesis 7:4 For seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living thing I have made.” 1 Kings 8:35-36 When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them, / then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. Deuteronomy 11:17 or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you. He will shut the heavens so that there will be no rain, nor will the land yield its produce, and you will soon perish from the good land that the LORD is giving you. Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ / For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. / But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Treasury of Scripture For thus said the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth. thus saith 2 Kings 3:16 And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. 2 Kings 7:1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 2 Kings 9:6 And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. The barrel of meal 1 Kings 17:4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. 2 Kings 4:2-7,42-44 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil… Matthew 14:17-20 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes… sendeth [heb] giveth Jump to Previous Barrel Bottle Bowl Cruse Dry Earth Empty End Exhausted Face Fail Flour Gives Israel Jar Jug Meal Oil Pitcher Rain Run Sends Spent Used Waste WordJump to Next Barrel Bottle Bowl Cruse Dry Earth Empty End Exhausted Face Fail Flour Gives Israel Jar Jug Meal Oil Pitcher Rain Run Sends Spent Used Waste Word1 Kings 17 1. Elijah, having prophesied against Ahab, 3. is sent to Cherith where the ravens feed him. 8. He is sent to the widow of Zarephath 17. He raises the widow's son 24. The woman believes him for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. The LORD, Yahweh, is the covenant name of God, highlighting His relationship with Israel. This introduction is typical of prophetic declarations, underscoring that the message is not from Elijah himself but from God. It reflects the prophetic tradition where prophets serve as God's mouthpieces (Deuteronomy 18:18). The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA prophet of God who is central to this account. He is sent by God to Zarephath during a time of drought and famine. 2. Widow of Zarephath A Gentile woman living in Zarephath, who is commanded by God to provide for Elijah despite her own dire circumstances. 3. Zarephath A town in Sidon, outside of Israel, highlighting God's provision extending beyond the borders of Israel. 4. Drought and Famine A severe drought, a judgment from God, affecting the land, leading to widespread famine. 5. God of Israel The covenant-keeping God who demonstrates His power and faithfulness through miraculous provision. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in ProvisionGod promises to provide for our needs, even in the most desperate situations. Trust in His faithfulness and provision. Obedience in Uncertainty The widow's obedience to God's command, despite her lack, demonstrates faith. We are called to obey God, trusting His promises even when circumstances seem dire. God's Sovereignty Over Nature The control over the flour and oil signifies God's sovereignty over creation. Recognize His power and authority in all aspects of life. Inclusivity of God's Grace God's provision for a Gentile widow foreshadows the inclusivity of the Gospel. Embrace and share God's grace with all people. Dependence on God The account encourages believers to depend on God daily, much like the daily provision of flour and oil, reflecting a life of faith and reliance on Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 17:14?2. How does 1 Kings 17:14 demonstrate God's provision during times of scarcity? 3. What role does faith play in experiencing God's promises in 1 Kings 17:14? 4. How can we apply the widow's obedience to our daily trust in God? 5. What other biblical examples show God's miraculous provision like in 1 Kings 17:14? 6. How can we encourage others to trust God's promises as seen in 1 Kings 17:14? 7. How does 1 Kings 17:14 demonstrate God's provision during times of scarcity and need? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Kings 17:14? 9. How does 1 Kings 17:14 reflect the theme of faith in divine promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 17? 11. Is there any historical or archaeological support for the miraculous provision of flour and oil (1 Kings 17:14), or does this story conflict with known evidence? 12. Are there references outside the Bible that corroborate Elijah’s activities in 1 Kings 17, or does his story lack external historical attestation? 13. Are Eucharistic miracles genuine occurrences? 14. What are the key events in Elijah's biblical life? What Does 1 Kings 17:14 Mean For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, saysElijah introduces the promise with God’s name and authority. By invoking “the LORD, the God of Israel,” he reminds the widow—and us—that the God who delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:14-15) and defeated Goliath through David (1 Samuel 17:45) is still speaking. This statement underscores: • Divine initiative: The provision is God’s idea, not Elijah’s. • Covenant faithfulness: God cares for Israel even during national apostasy (1 Kings 18:18). • Certainty: When God speaks, His word stands (Isaiah 55:11). The jar of flour will not be exhausted The widow has only “a handful of flour” (1 Kings 17:12), yet God promises that resource will last. He replaces fear of scarcity with confidence in daily sufficiency: • Flour represents staple provision—bread for life (Matthew 6:11). • God’s supply meets needs “according to His riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19). • Miraculous multiplication echoes later in Elisha’s ministry with a widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:2-7), showing continuity in God’s character. And the jug of oil will not run dry Oil in Scripture often points to both practical need and spiritual blessing (Psalm 23:5; Zechariah 4:6). Here God pledges: • Physical sustenance: Oil mixed with flour makes daily cakes. • Continuous flow: Like “treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7), human weakness becomes the stage for divine power. • Visible reminder: Each time the widow pours, she witnesses God’s active presence. Until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth The promise has a timeframe tied to God’s larger redemptive plan: • Contextual mercy: Drought began at Elijah’s word (1 Kings 17:1); provision lasts until rain returns (1 Kings 18:1). • Sovereign timing: Rain waits on God’s command, showing His rule over creation (Job 38:28). • Encouragement for perseverance: God sustains His people through the entire crisis (James 5:17-18). summary 1 Kings 17:14 assures that the same Lord who withholds rain can sustain a humble household through unending flour and oil. His spoken word carries absolute authority, turns insufficiency into abundance, and endures exactly as long as needed. Trusting Him means daily confidence that every jar and jug in our lives will remain full until His purpose is complete. Verse 14. - For thus saith the Lord God of Israel [The words, "God of Israel," if anything, favour the supposition that he was speaking to one who was not of Israel. See on ver. 1. There the words were addressed to one who was denying the God of Israel] The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fall, until the day that the Lord sendeth [Heb. giveth. For תִּתֵן see note on 1 Kings 6:19] rain upon the earth. [Heb. on the face of the ground. Like expression 1 Kings 18:1; Genesis 2:5. It has been said that there is not a syllable here to imply a miracle, and it has been contended that this Sareptan household was sustained for over two years simply by the blessing of God on the use of natural means. But clearly, if there was nothing else, there was supernatural knowledge on Elijah's part. And it cannot be denied that the literal construction of the words points to a "supernatural and inexplicable multiplication of food" (Rawlinson), similar to those of which the Gospels tell. It is just possible that this was a figure of speech, which practically meant no more than the necessaries of life should somehow be provided, directly or indirectly, by God. Nor is this view effectually negatived, as Bahr contends, by Luke 4:26; but, in view of 2 Kings 4:44, Matthew 14:15-21; 2 Kings 15:32-38, it is extremely improbable. It is curious how many miracles of Elijah and Elisha foreshadowed those of our blessed Lord.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew forכִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction this is what כֹה֩ (ḵōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel God אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc says: אָמַ֨ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘The jar כַּ֤ד (kaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3537: A pail, earthenware, a jar of flour הַקֶּ֙מַח֙ (haq·qe·maḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7058: Flour, meal will not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be exhausted תִכְלָ֔ה (ṯiḵ·lāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent and the jug וְצַפַּ֥חַת (wə·ṣap·pa·ḥaṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6835: A jar, jug of oil הַשֶּׁ֖מֶן (haš·še·men) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness will not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no run dry תֶחְסָ֑ר (ṯeḥ·sār) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2637: To lack, need, be lacking, decrease until עַ֠ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the day י֧וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day the LORD יְהוָ֛ה (ha·šêm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set sends תֵּת־ (têṯ-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5414: To give, put, set rain גֶּ֖שֶׁם (ge·šem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1653: Rain, shower on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the face פְּנֵ֥י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face of the earth.” הָאֲדָמָֽה׃ (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 127: Ground, land Links 1 Kings 17:14 NIV1 Kings 17:14 NLT 1 Kings 17:14 ESV 1 Kings 17:14 NASB 1 Kings 17:14 KJV 1 Kings 17:14 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 17:14 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 17:14 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 17:14 French Bible 1 Kings 17:14 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 17:14 For thus says Yahweh the God (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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