1 Kings 18 8

1 Kings 18:8 kjv

And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

1 Kings 18:8 nkjv

And he answered him, "It is I. Go, tell your master, 'Elijah is here.' "

1 Kings 18:8 niv

"Yes," he replied. "Go tell your master, 'Elijah is here.'?"

1 Kings 18:8 esv

And he answered him, "It is I. Go, tell your lord, 'Behold, Elijah is here.'"

1 Kings 18:8 nlt

"Yes, it is," Elijah replied. "Now go and tell your master, 'Elijah is here.'"

1 Kings 18 verses

1 Kings 18 8 Meaning

This verse encapsulates Obadiah’s profound recognition and immediate identification of Elijah amidst a time of intense spiritual struggle and persecution of God’s prophets. Obadiah, the devout steward in King Ahab’s house, unequivocally affirms Elijah's identity not just as a known person, but more significantly, as "the LORD's prophet," acknowledging his divine calling and authority. This statement comes after a long period of Elijah's absence and drought, emphasizing the magnitude of this reunion and the danger associated with it.

1 Kings 18 8 Context

The passage is set during a severe three-year drought in Israel, inflicted as divine judgment for Ahab and Jezebel's promotion of Baal worship and persecution of Yahweh's prophets. King Ahab, desperate for water to save his horses and mules, has divided the land with Obadiah to search for springs. During this search, Obadiah unexpectedly encounters Elijah, who had been in hiding. The exchange in 1 Kings 18:7-8 depicts Obadiah's immediate reaction upon seeing Elijah, whom he evidently recognized quickly despite the time passed and the danger of associating with him. His identification of Elijah as "the LORD's prophet" is critical, not only for recognizing the man but also his divine authority, which sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

1 Kings 18 8 Word analysis

• And he said: Simple narrative introduction indicating Obadiah, the previous subject of conversation, is speaking. It signals a direct verbal exchange between Obadiah and Elijah.
• I know him; (Hebrew: ידעתי, yada'ti - "I know" or "I have known"). This verb implies not just casual recognition but a deeper, perhaps intimate, knowledge or acquaintance. It signifies that Obadiah fully recognized Elijah despite his long absence, potentially due to prior interactions or his distinctive appearance as a man of God.
• Obadiah; This phrase in the KJV/ESV text is grammatically challenging and subject to multiple interpretations by scholars. In the context of the user's provided verse (and its similarity to ESV 18:7, where Obadiah speaks), the most probable interpretation for "Obadiah" in this clause, spoken by Obadiah, is as a direct, emphatic self-identification: "I, Obadiah, know him," or simply, "it is I, Obadiah (who speaks/knows)." It could emphasize his identity as the one encountering Elijah. It reinforces the individual speaking, clarifying that it is the loyal steward.
• yea, (Hebrew: וְהִנֵּה, v'hinneh - "and behold," "indeed," "truly"). This strong interjection functions as an emphatic affirmation. It adds weight and certainty to the statement, conveying a sense of awe, recognition, and deep conviction. It marks a moment of significant realization for Obadiah.
• the LORD's prophet. (Hebrew: נְבִיא יְהוָה, n'vi YHVH). This is the pivotal identification. "Prophet" (נָבִיא, navi) refers to one who speaks for God, serving as His messenger and revealing His will. "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHVH) specifically refers to the covenant God of Israel. By declaring Elijah "the LORD's prophet," Obadiah aligns himself with Yahweh and affirms Elijah's divine authority. This is a bold and dangerous confession in Ahab's idolatrous kingdom, directly contrasting Elijah with the hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah supported by Jezebel.

1 Kings 18 8 Bonus section

• Recognition of the Spirit: Obadiah's immediate and certain recognition of Elijah as "the LORD's prophet" points to a spiritual discernment beyond mere physical appearance. In a context where many false prophets existed, and Elijah had been in hiding, this rapid, unequivocal identification suggests that Obadiah perceived Elijah not just with his eyes, but also understood his spiritual office, perhaps through the Holy Spirit or their shared reverence for Yahweh.
• Symbol of a Faithful Remnant: Obadiah himself is a representative of the faithful remnant in Israel during the darkest period of national apostasy. His preservation of a hundred prophets of the Lord (1 Kgs 18:4, 13) demonstrates his practical commitment to God's cause, making his declaration in this verse all the more meaningful. He lives out his confession of Yahweh even under threat of death.
• Foundation for Obedience: Obadiah's complete acceptance of Elijah as "the LORD's prophet" is foundational to his subsequent, albeit hesitant, obedience to Elijah's command to go to Ahab. Recognizing Elijah's divine commission compels Obadiah to consider the prophet's words as God's own, even when they put him in extreme peril.

1 Kings 18 8 Commentary

1 Kings 18:8 serves as a pivotal moment of recognition and faithful affirmation in the unfolding narrative. Obadiah, a loyal servant of the true God hidden within Ahab’s wicked household, instantly discerns Elijah's identity, acknowledging him not merely as a familiar figure but, more importantly, as Yahweh’s authentic messenger. This confession highlights Obadiah's profound spiritual insight and courageous devotion amidst widespread apostasy. His fear (expressed in subsequent verses) is a human reaction to immense danger, yet his primary response is an unwavering declaration of who Elijah truly is – "the LORD's prophet." This foundational acknowledgment of Elijah's divine authority sets the stage for the epic contest on Mount Carmel, emphasizing that God always preserves a faithful remnant, even in the darkest times, and that true recognition of His servants precedes divine action.