1 Kings 17:24 kjv
And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.
1 Kings 17:24 nkjv
Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."
1 Kings 17:24 niv
Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth."
1 Kings 17:24 esv
And the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."
1 Kings 17:24 nlt
Then the woman told Elijah, "Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the LORD truly speaks through you."
1 Kings 17 24 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 13:1-5 | If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you... and the sign or wonder comes true... you shall not listen to the words of that prophet... | False prophets distinguished by unfulfilled word |
| Deut 18:21-22 | If you say in your heart, 'How may we know the word... 'When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD... and the thing does not happen or come to pass... it is a word that the LORD has not spoken. | True prophet confirmed by fulfilled word |
| 1 Sam 3:19 | Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. | God confirms His messenger's words |
| 2 Sam 7:28 | And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true... | God's word is truth |
| Psa 33:4 | For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. | God's word is faithful |
| Psa 119:160 | The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever. | All God's word is truth |
| Prov 30:5 | Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. | God's word is completely true |
| Isa 55:11 | so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose... | God's word is effective and accomplishes His will |
| Jer 1:9 | Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.” | God empowers prophets with His word |
| Ezek 2:7 | You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house. | Prophets are to speak God's exact words |
| Mk 4:26-29 | And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground... " | Word of God as seed, having inherent power |
| Jn 2:11 | This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. | Miracles manifest divine glory and confirm identity |
| Jn 4:53 | So the father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." And he himself believed, and all his household. | A father believes Jesus' word of life |
| Jn 11:25 | Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live..." | Jesus' ultimate power over death and life |
| Jn 17:17 | Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. | God's word is truth and sanctifying |
| Rom 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... | God's word (Gospel) has power for salvation |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete... | "Man of God" equipped by Scripture, which is God's word |
| Heb 1:1-2 | Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son... | God speaks through prophets and His Son |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit... | God's word is powerful and penetrating |
| 1 Pet 1:23 | having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; | Born again through the living word of God |
| 2 Pet 1:20-21 | knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. | Prophecy originates from God, not man |
1 Kings 17 verses
1 Kings 17 24 Meaning
This verse captures the pivotal declaration of the Sareptan widow, affirming her certainty that Elijah is indeed a true man of God. Her confession is a profound acknowledgment that the words spoken by Elijah are not merely human words, but are faithful and reliable expressions of the Lord Himself, demonstrated powerfully by the miraculous restoration of her son to life.
1 Kings 17 24 Context
This verse marks a turning point in the faith journey of the widow of Zarephath and a powerful validation of Elijah’s prophetic ministry. Elijah had previously sustained the widow and her son through a miraculous multiplication of flour and oil during a severe famine, a divine provision that tested and built her initial faith. However, the death of her son, the only family member she had left, plunged her into a deep crisis of faith, leading her to accuse Elijah of coming "to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son" (1 Kgs 17:18). This verse, therefore, is her profound declaration following the immediate miracle of her son’s resurrection, after Elijah stretched himself over the boy three times and cried out to the Lord (1 Kgs 17:19-23). Historically and culturally, this event stands as a potent polemic against Baal worship, the dominant religion in Israel during King Ahab’s reign. Baal was believed to control life, fertility, and rain, but this miracle explicitly demonstrates that the Lord, Yahweh, has ultimate power over life and death, even raising a dead son in a pagan land through His prophet.
1 Kings 17 24 Word analysis
- And the woman said: This signals a climactic moment of declaration, emphasizing her changed perspective and profound realization.
- Now I know (עתה ידעתי - ‘attah yada‘ti): This is not merely intellectual recognition, but an experiential and decisive conviction. The "Now" highlights the immediate, undeniable evidence provided by the miracle. Her knowing is rooted in divine demonstration, leading to certainty rather than mere speculation.
- that you are a man of God (איש אלהים - ish ‘Elohim):
- `Ish`: Man.
- `‘Elohim`: God.
- This is a specific and highly respected title for prophets or individuals uniquely called and empowered by God. It signifies a person who truly represents God and speaks on His behalf. Her earlier address in verse 18 ("O man of God") was spoken in desperation and reproach, whereas here, it is a firm, unwavering affirmation of his divine commission, earned through the powerful display of God's presence and power. It acknowledges his identity as a divinely appointed intermediary, authenticating his claim and status.
- and that the word of the Lord (וּדְבַר יְהוָה - u'devar YHWH):
- `Devar YHWH`: The utterance, command, or message of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel.
- This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message spoken through Elijah. It refers not just to Elijah's specific words but to the entire body of revealed truth originating from Yahweh.
- in your mouth (בְּפִיךָ - b’fika): This idiomatic expression denotes that Elijah is God's direct and faithful spokesperson. His words are not of his own human wisdom or power, but are precisely those that God has given him to declare. This authenticates him as a true prophet whose utterances are God's own words, given through him.
- is truth (אמת - emet):
- `Emet`: Truth, reliability, faithfulness, certainty.
- This goes beyond mere factual accuracy to imply an enduring and active reliability. The word of the Lord is not just something said, but something trustworthy and efficacious that will faithfully accomplish what it declares. It signifies God's own unchangeable faithfulness. The miracle demonstrated that God's word, as delivered by Elijah (first regarding the drought, now concerning life and death), is consistently real, dependable, and potent.
1 Kings 17 24 Bonus section
The journey of the widow's faith is remarkable, showcasing progression from an initial act of faith (providing for Elijah from her last meal) through despair and questioning (when her son died) to full, unwavering belief after the miracle. This demonstrates how God can use extraordinary events to deepen understanding and firm up faith. This recognition of Elijah as a "man of God" and his word as "truth" sets a foundational principle for discerning true prophets throughout scripture; their message aligns with God's character and proves true through divine confirmation, often via miraculous deeds. The fact that this powerful display of God's sovereignty took place in Zarephath, a city outside Israel (in Phoenicia), belonging to Sidon, Jezebel's homeland, is profoundly significant. It showcases Yahweh's universal power and willingness to minister to Gentiles, foreshadowing the inclusion of all nations in God's redemptive plan. The miracle also prefigures New Testament accounts of Jesus raising the dead, affirming His ultimate authority over life and death.
1 Kings 17 24 Commentary
The woman’s confession in 1 Kings 17:24 marks the culmination of her faith, moving from initial hospitality to profound conviction. The miracle of her son’s resurrection dispelled her doubts, leading her to definitively acknowledge Elijah’s identity as a true "man of God." This validation extends beyond Elijah himself to the very "word of the Lord" he proclaimed, recognizing it as entirely true, trustworthy, and possessing the power to enact God's will, even over death. This episode not only highlights God's omnipotence over life and death but also serves as a strong polemic against the lifeless idols of Baal, demonstrating Yahweh's living and active power, and confirming the veracity of His chosen prophet in a world steeped in idolatry. Her declaration affirms that a genuine prophet of the Lord is known by the powerful and truthful words God speaks through them, words that perform what they promise.