1 Kings 19 4

1 Kings 19:4 kjv

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

1 Kings 19:4 nkjv

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!"

1 Kings 19:4 niv

while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."

1 Kings 19:4 esv

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers."

1 Kings 19:4 nlt

Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died."

1 Kings 19 verses

1 Kings 19 4 Meaning

Elijah, having fled the threat of Jezebel, is depicted as physically and emotionally spent, having journeyed into a desolate wilderness. In this state of profound despair, he seeks death, openly praying to the Lord to take his life. His reasoning stems from a deep sense of inadequacy and failure, expressing his belief that he has achieved nothing more significant or lasting than his ancestors, viewing himself as ultimately ineffective in his mission.

1 Kings 19 4 Context

This verse occurs immediately following Elijah's dramatic and conclusive victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where he called down fire from heaven and ended a severe drought (1 Ki. 18). Despite this powerful divine vindication, Jezebel, the wicked queen, responded with a direct death threat to Elijah (1 Ki. 19:1-2). Instead of standing firm or seeking immediate divine protection as he had previously, Elijah fled in fear and alarm (1 Ki. 19:3). His extensive flight deep into the southern wilderness, culminating in this plea for death, underscores the immense emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll the preceding events had taken on him. It presents a stark and realistic portrayal of even the greatest of prophets succumbing to human frailty under extreme pressure.

1 Kings 19 4 Word analysis

• But he himself: `wəhû` (וְהוּא). This emphasizes the personal, solitary nature of Elijah's struggle, contrasting him with the great public figure he had just been. It highlights his individual experience of fear and isolation despite his recent spiritual triumph.
• went a day's journey: This denotes a significant distance covered quickly, highlighting Elijah's urgency and deep fear, driven by exhaustion and a desire to escape as far as possible from the threat.
• into the wilderness: `midbar` (מִדְבָּר). This term refers to an uninhabited, desolate region. In biblical narrative, the wilderness often symbolizes a place of testing, spiritual struggle, purification, and intense divine encounters, reflecting Elijah's inner turmoil and impending encounter with God.
• came and sat down: Expresses utter physical and mental weariness, signifying collapse rather than purposeful movement. Elijah has reached his limit and can go no further.
• under a broom tree: `rothem` (רֹתֶם). This desert shrub offers minimal shade and typically grows in desolate, dry places. Its presence emphasizes the starkness and harshness of Elijah's immediate environment, mirroring his desolate inner state. The roots also served as poor fuel, hinting at survival in desperate conditions.
• And he prayed that he might die: `wayyithpallel...mot nafshi`. "Prayed" (`yithpallel`) implies a deep, earnest supplication, indicating this was a desperate cry directed to God from his profound weariness and sorrow. This raw expression shows the depth of his emotional and spiritual crisis.
• It is enough: `rab` (רַב). Literally "much" or "plenty." In this context, it translates to "I've had enough" or "It's too much," signaling his breaking point—an expression of complete emotional and spiritual exhaustion.
• now, O Lord, take away my life: `'attâ Yahweh qach nafshi`. A direct, fervent plea to God. "Take my life" (`qach nafshi`) literally means "take my soul/breath," a desperate longing for cessation of his suffering and existence.
• for I am no better than my fathers: `ki lo-tov mim'abōtay`. This phrase reveals the core of Elijah's despair. He measures his effectiveness against past generations of Israel, lamenting that despite the miraculous power he witnessed, he feels he has not surpassed their spiritual failures or been able to fundamentally turn Israel back to God in a lasting way. It reflects a profound sense of inadequacy, futility, and a personal burden of history.

• Words-group by words-group analysis: "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness": This phrase vividly illustrates Elijah's hurried flight driven by fear and immense pressure, depicting a retreat into profound physical isolation after an overwhelming spiritual victory. "and came and sat down under a broom tree": This paints a picture of utter physical and emotional collapse, finding only meager shelter in a desolate environment, symbolizing his internal state of deep exhaustion and hopelessness. "And he prayed that he might die, and said, 'It is enough'": This powerfully conveys the depth of his anguish, revealing a broken spirit that prefers oblivion to the perceived burdens and failures of life. It’s a raw, honest lament offered directly to God. "now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers": This climactic plea expresses both the intensity of his despair and the root of his sense of failure. He views his life as ultimately fruitless, having not exceeded the spiritual shortcomings of previous generations, and therefore, sees no purpose in continuing.

1 Kings 19 4 Bonus section

Elijah's journey into the wilderness after Mount Carmel's intense spiritual high provides a crucial insight into the cycles of spiritual life: moments of profound victory can be immediately followed by intense spiritual and emotional depletion, rendering even the strongest vulnerable to fear and despair. God’s care for Elijah—sending an angel to provide food and water and allowing him to sleep—underscores that addressing physical and emotional exhaustion often precedes spiritual renewal. This period of withdrawal in the wilderness prepares Elijah for a new and profound encounter with God at Mount Horeb, reminding us that even in our lowest points, God can meet us, sustain us, and recommission us with renewed purpose. Elijah's willingness to vocalize his suicidal ideation to God without being condemned teaches that honest, vulnerable prayer, even in desperation, is welcomed by God who deeply understands and sympathizes with human suffering.

1 Kings 19 4 Commentary

This verse powerfully portrays the severe psychological and spiritual exhaustion that can afflict even God's most devoted servants. Elijah's retreat and desperate prayer for death after the triumph on Mount Carmel are a poignant testament to the toll that ministry, spiritual warfare, and relentless pressure can take. His cry, "It is enough," echoes deep weariness, while "I am no better than my fathers" reveals a profound sense of inadequacy, stemming from an expectation to achieve more or to definitively turn Israel from its idolatry—a burden he felt unable to carry alone. The significance lies not only in the prophet's despair but in God's response, which, as subsequent verses show, is not rebuke but gentle, tender provision and compassionate care, demonstrating God's understanding of human frailty even in great faith.