1 Kings 19 13

1 Kings 19:13 kjv

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 Kings 19:13 nkjv

So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

1 Kings 19:13 niv

When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

1 Kings 19:13 esv

And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

1 Kings 19:13 nlt

When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

1 Kings 19 verses

1 Kings 19 13 Meaning

Upon hearing the voice, Elijah immediately recognized the divine presence, an experience marked by profound reverence and humility, compelling him to cover his face with his prophetic cloak. Stepping to the cave’s entrance, he then received a direct, challenging question from God, inquiring into his purpose and location, an encounter intended to draw Elijah from his despondency back into his divine calling.

1 Kings 19 13 Context

This verse appears after Elijah's profound victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his subsequent flight to Mount Horeb due to Queen Jezebel's threats against his life (1 Kgs 18-19:3). Overwhelmed by fear and despondency, Elijah expresses a desire to die (1 Kgs 19:4), feeling alone in his faithfulness to God. He is miraculously sustained and journeys for forty days to Horeb, the mountain where God first revealed Himself to Moses. There, God commissions Elijah to stand on the mount before Him (1 Kgs 19:11). The Lord passes by, but He is not in the great wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice" (1 Kgs 19:12). It is after this profound revelation, recognizing the true presence of God not in overwhelming spectacle but in subtle intimacy, that Elijah reacts in verse 13 by covering his face and being met with God's direct inquiry. The verse continues God's mission to draw Elijah out of isolation and refocus him on his prophetic purpose.

1 Kings 19 13 Word analysis

• When Elijah heard it: Refers to hearing the "still small voice" (Qol Demamah Daqqah - a voice of gentle stillness or sound of sheer silence) mentioned in the preceding verse (1 Kgs 19:12). This signifies recognition of God's unique and subtle presence, distinct from the dramatic natural phenomena. It highlights Elijah’s spiritual discernment.
• he wrapped his face: The Hebrew verb is vayyalet (וַיָּלֶט), from the root luṭ (לוּט), meaning to wrap or cover. This action is a profound gesture of reverence, awe, and humility in the presence of divinity, recognizing the sacredness and potentially overwhelming glory of God. It's akin to Moses covering his face (Exod 3:6) or Isaiah’s reaction (Isa 6:2, 5). It suggests an overwhelming sense of God's immediate, intimate, and holy presence.
• in his cloak: The Hebrew term is addartō (אַדַּרְתּוֹ), referring to Elijah's distinctive prophetic mantle or outer garment. This cloak was a symbol of his prophetic office and authority, indicating that even in his despondency, he was acting as God's prophet. The use of this garment for covering his face adds solemnity and deepens the symbolism of his humble submission and profound respect for God.
• and went out and stood: Elijah physically leaves the interior of the cave, where he had been in hiding and despair, to position himself at the petaḥ hamməʿārāh (פֶּתַח הַמְּעָרָה), the "entrance of the cave." This action signifies his coming forth from hiding and despair, making himself available to God, even while maintaining a posture of reverence.
• at the entrance of the cave: The liminal space between isolation/shelter and direct divine encounter. It’s where Elijah makes himself accessible, yet still holds a protective distance in reverence.
• And behold, a voice came to him: The Hebrew wəhinnēh (וְהִנֵּה) translates "and behold" or "and indeed," an interjection that draws attention to a significant and immediate event. Qôl ʾēlāw (קוֹל אֵלָיו) refers to "a voice to him." This is the same voice (implied to be the "still small voice" or its continuation) from which Elijah has just retreated by covering his face. It emphasizes God's direct and personal communication with Elijah.
• and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”: The Hebrew is mah-lləkā fōh ʾēlīyyāhû (מַה־לְּךָ פֹה אֵלִיָּהוּ). This is the second time this exact question is posed (cf. 1 Kgs 19:9), underscoring God's persistence and the pivotal nature of this inquiry. It's not a request for information but a profound, pastoral, and corrective question. It challenges Elijah’s location (geographical and spiritual), his state of mind, and his purpose. It is designed to prompt introspection, call him back to his divine mission, and address his despondency and fear directly from the Source of his strength and calling. The question highlights divine concern for Elijah's obedience and well-being.

1 Kings 19 13 Bonus section

The repetition of God's question ("What are you doing here, Elijah?") serves as a powerful rhetorical device. It indicates God's persistent attempt to penetrate Elijah's self-pity and despondency, ensuring he fully confronts his situation. The significance of Horeb (Mount Sinai) further elevates this encounter, positioning Elijah's experience as a foundational one, echoing Moses' divine encounter. The distinction between God not being in the great power displays (wind, earthquake, fire) but in the "still small voice" is a key polemic against the Baal worship Elijah had just confronted; Baal was associated with storms and natural forces. God's true presence is ultimately in relationship and intimate communication, demanding not mere spectacle but reverence and a willingness to hear. This moment lays the groundwork for God to gently restore Elijah’s mission and show him he is not alone.

1 Kings 19 13 Commentary

1 Kings 19:13 portrays a pivotal moment in Elijah's life, transitioning him from deep despair to renewed divine commission. His act of wrapping his face with his prophetic cloak, a garment representing his calling, symbolizes ultimate reverence and humility before a God whose presence is revealed not in cataclysmic power but in a gentle, almost silent, voice. This contrasts with common deities perceived through thunder or storms, showcasing God’s immanence in quiet revelation. God's immediate and repeated question, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (first in v.9, reiterated here), is not one of ignorance but of intimate, persistent care. It probes the depths of Elijah's soul, challenging his physical flight and spiritual discouragement, implicitly asking: Is this where a prophet of God should be? Is this how he should be responding to My call? The encounter demonstrates God's compassion and unwavering commitment to His servants, patiently drawing them out of isolation and despair back to their appointed tasks and purpose. It reveals God’s restorative method: direct personal engagement and re-commissioning through loving inquiry rather than immediate rebuke or grand display.Practical usage examples:

• In moments of deep discouragement or fear, remember God often comes not in chaos but in quietude.
• God’s questioning often serves to bring us to self-reflection and re-align us with His purpose.
• Like Elijah, we must be willing to come forth from our "caves" of isolation, even when afraid, to hear God’s gentle yet powerful voice.