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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 19:9 There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/19-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/11_1Ki_19_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 19:9 - The LORD Speaks to Elijah at Horeb" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, What are you doing here, Elijah?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/19-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/19-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm" title="1 Kings 19:8">◄</a> 1 Kings 19:9 <a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm" title="1 Kings 19:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: &#8220What are you doing here, Elijah?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD <i>came</i> to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD <i>came</i> to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the LORD <i>came</i> to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, &#8220What are you doing here, Elijah?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD <i>came</i> to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of Yahweh <i>came</i> to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There he came to a cave and spent the night in it; and behold, the word of the LORD <i>came</i> to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He entered a cave there and spent the night. Suddenly, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He entered a cave there and spent the night. Then the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, &#8220What are you doing here, Elijah?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of Jehovah came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and he spent the night there in a cave. While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />There he went into a cave and spent the night. Then the LORD spoke his word to Elijah. He asked, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There he went into a cave to spend the night. Suddenly the LORD spoke to him, "Elijah, what are you doing here?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Elijah arrived at a cave and stayed there. All of a sudden this message came from the LORD: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, ?What are you doing here, Elijah??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He went into a cave there and spent the night. All of a sudden the LORD spoke to him, "Why are you here, Elijah?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And there he came to a cave and lodged there; and look, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he came thither to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, What doest thou here, Elijah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He came to a cave there, and camped there; and behold, Yahweh’s word came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he comes in there, to the cave, and lodges there, and behold, the word of YHWH [is] to him, and says to him, “What are you [doing] here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he cometh in there, unto the cave, and lodgeth there, and lo, the word of Jehovah is unto him, and saith to him, 'What -- to thee, here, Elijah?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will go there into a cave and lodge there; and behold, the word of Jehovah to him, and he will say to him, What to thee here Elijah?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when he was come thither, he abode in a cave: and behold the word of the Lord came unto him, and he said to him: What dost thou here, Elias? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when he had arrived there, he stayed in a cave. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />There he came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the word of the LORD came to him: Why are you here, Elijah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he entered into a cave and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he entered there a cave, and he spent the night there, and the word of LORD JEHOVAH came upon him, and he said to him: “What are you doing here, Elyah?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said unto him: 'What doest thou here, Elijah?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he entered there into a cave, and rested there; and, behold, the word of the Lord <i>came</i> to him, and he said, What <i>doest</i> thou here, Eliu?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/19-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=7572" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/19.htm">The LORD Speaks to Elijah at Horeb</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">There</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">Elijah entered</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4631.htm" title="4631: ham·mə·‘ā·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A cave. From uwr; a cavern.">a cave</a> <a href="/hebrew/3885.htm" title="3885: way·yā·len (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or liyn; a primitive root; to stop; by implication, to stay permanently; hence to be obstinate.">and spent the night.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏə·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">And the word</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">came to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">are you doing</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: p̄ōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here,</a> <a href="/hebrew/452.htm" title="452: ’ê·lî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or prolonged teliyahuw; from 'el and Yahh; God of Jehovah; Elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other Israelites.">Elijah?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-21.htm">Exodus 33:21-23</a></span><br />The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, / and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. / Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-5.htm">Exodus 34:5-6</a></span><br />And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD. / Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/4-5.htm">Jonah 4:5-8</a></span><br />Then Jonah left the city and sat down east of it, where he made himself a shelter and sat in its shade to see what would happen to the city. / So the LORD God appointed a vine, and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant. / When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant so that it withered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a></span><br />If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/4-12.htm">Job 4:12-16</a></span><br />Now a word came to me secretly; my ears caught a whisper of it. / In disquieting visions in the night, when deep sleep falls on men, / fear and trembling came over me and made all my bones shudder. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-10.htm">Psalm 46:10</a></span><br />“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">Psalm 27:5</a></span><br />For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-20.htm">Psalm 31:20</a></span><br />You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a></span><br />But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Isaiah 49:2</a></span><br />He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a></span><br />Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1-5</a></span><br />After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-35.htm">Mark 1:35</a></span><br />Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place to pray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-1.htm">Luke 4:1-13</a></span><br />Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, / where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. / The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-28.htm">Luke 9:28-36</a></span><br />About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. / And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. / Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he came thither to a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, What do you here, Elijah?</p><p class="hdg">unto a cave</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/33-21.htm">Exodus 33:21,22</a></b></br> And the LORD said, Behold, <i>there is</i> a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/9-2.htm">Jeremiah 9:2</a></b></br> Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they <i>be</i> all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/11-38.htm">Hebrews 11:38</a></b></br> (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and <i>in</i> mountains, and <i>in</i> dens and caves of the earth.</p><p class="hdg">What does thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">1 Kings 19:13</a></b></br> And it was <i>so</i>, when Elijah heard <i>it</i>, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, <i>there came</i> a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-9.htm">Genesis 3:9</a></b></br> And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where <i>art</i> thou?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Genesis 16:8</a></b></br> And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/18-13.htm">Cave</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-13.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/judges/19-7.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-59.htm">Night</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-13.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-16.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-7.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Cave</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-27.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-14.htm">Night</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-15.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-13.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-40.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/19-1.htm">Elijah, threatened by Jezebel, flees to Beersheba</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/19-4.htm">In the desert, being weary of his life, he is comforted by an angel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/19-9.htm">At Horeb God appears unto him, sending him to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">Elisha, taking leave of his friends, follows Elijah</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night.</b><br>Elijah's retreat to a cave on Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, is significant as this location is where Moses received the Ten Commandments. This geographical setting underscores a place of divine encounter and revelation. Elijah's choice to enter a cave suggests a desire for solitude and reflection, possibly mirroring Moses' own experiences on the mountain. The cave represents a place of refuge and introspection, where Elijah can seek God's presence away from the threats of Jezebel. The act of spending the night indicates a period of waiting and anticipation for divine guidance.<p><b>And the word of the LORD came to him,</b><br>This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and His prophets, a common theme throughout the Old Testament. The "word of the LORD" signifies divine revelation and instruction, emphasizing that God actively engages with His chosen servants. This encounter is reminiscent of other biblical figures who received God's word in times of distress, such as Moses, Samuel, and Jeremiah. The phrase underscores the importance of listening for God's voice, especially in moments of crisis or uncertainty.<p><b>saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”</b><br>God's question to Elijah is both probing and compassionate, inviting the prophet to reflect on his actions and motivations. This inquiry is not for God's benefit, as He is omniscient, but rather for Elijah's self-examination. The question challenges Elijah to consider his purpose and mission, reminding him of his prophetic calling. It echoes God's interactions with other biblical figures, such as Adam in the Garden of Eden, where God asks questions to prompt introspection and repentance. This moment foreshadows the New Testament, where Jesus often uses questions to teach and guide His disciples.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a></b><br>A prophet of God who had just experienced a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel but is now fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/cave.htm">Cave</a></b><br>A physical location where Elijah seeks refuge, symbolizing a place of isolation and introspection.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>God, who speaks to Elijah, initiating a divine encounter and prompting Elijah to reflect on his current situation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_horeb.htm">Mount Horeb</a></b><br>Also known as Mount Sinai, this is a significant location in biblical history where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It represents a place of divine revelation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jezebel.htm">Jezebel</a></b><br>The queen who threatens Elijah's life, representing opposition to God's prophets and His work.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_encounter_in_isolation.htm">Divine Encounter in Isolation</a></b><br>God often meets us in our moments of isolation and despair, just as He did with Elijah. We should seek His presence in our own "caves" of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_gentle_questioning.htm">God's Gentle Questioning</a></b><br>The question "What are you doing here?" invites self-reflection and honesty before God. We should regularly assess our spiritual journey and alignment with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_rest_and_renewal.htm">The Importance of Rest and Renewal</a></b><br>Elijah's time in the cave underscores the need for physical and spiritual rest. We must prioritize rest to hear God's voice clearly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_our_weakness.htm">God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness</a></b><br>Despite Elijah's fear and discouragement, God remains faithful. We can trust God to be with us in our weakest moments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_for_god's_voice.htm">Listening for God's Voice</a></b><br>Elijah's experience teaches us to listen for God's voice, which may come in unexpected ways. We should cultivate a posture of listening in our spiritual practices.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_kings_19_fit_with_elijah's_story.htm">How does 1 Kings 19 fit with other biblical accounts of Elijah and the broader historical context, considering potential timeline or narrative discrepancies? (1 Kings 19)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_'the_still_small_voice'.htm">What does 'the still small voice' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/has_god_abandoned_me.htm">Has God abandoned me?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_comfort_the_lonely.htm">How does God comfort the lonely?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">A cave.</span>--This is properly, "the cave"--perhaps a reference to some cave already well known, as connected with the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, or perhaps only an anticipatory reference to the cave which Elijah's sojourn was to make famous.<p><span class= "bld">The word of the Lord came to him.</span>--The connection suggests that this message came to him in vision or dream at night. The LXX. implies this distinctly by inserting in <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm" title="And he said, Go forth, and stand on the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:">1Kings 19:11</a> the word "to-morrow," which is also found in the rather vague and prosaic paraphrase of the passage in Josephus. What Elijah replies in imagination in the vision, he repeats next day in actual words.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - And he came thither unto a cave [Heb. <span class="accented">the</span> cave. LXX. <span class="greek">τὸ σπήλαιον</span>. Many commentators identify this with "the cliff of the rock" where Moses was concealed while the Lord "passed by" (<a href="/exodus/33-22.htm">Exodus 33:22</a>), and the use of the same word, <span class="hebrew">עבֵר</span> in ver. 11 certainly favours this view. But is it clear that the clift (<span class="hebrew">נִקְרָה</span> <span class="accented">fissure</span>) was a <span class="accented">cave?</span> Ewald understands "the cave in which at that time travellers to Sinai commonly rested." It is perhaps worth remembering that a part of the desert, though at some distance from Horeb; boars at this day the name of <span class="accented">Magharah</span>, or cave. But there is a "narrow fret" pointed out by tradition as the abode of Elijah, on the side of Jebol Muss. "There is nothing to confirm, but there is nothing to contradict, the belief that it may have been in that secluded basin, which has long been pointed out as the spot No scene could be more suitable for the vision which follows" (Stanley). There is, however, one formidable difficulty in the way of this identification, viz., that the cave is only just large enough for a man's body, which does not agree with ver. 18], <span class="cmt_word">and lodged</span> [<span class="hebrew">לוּן</span> means strictly to <span class="accented">pass the night</span>. It is possibly connected radically with <span class="hebrew">לַיְלָה</span>] <span class="cmt_word">there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him</span> [Not "in vision as he slept" (Rawlinson). He could not "go forth" in his sleep. That he was to go forth "on the morrow" is equally unlikely see ver. 11, note], <span class="cmt_word">and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?</span> [Many writers, Bahr and Keil among them, will not allow that there is aught of reproof in this question, or that Elijah had in any way erred in his hasty flight. The former asks how it comes to pass that the angel, instead of reproving him, succoured and strengthened him (vers. 6, 7), if he was acting in faithlessness or disobedience. But surely it does not follow that God denies all grace and sustenance to His elect servants even if they do, in a moment of despair, forget or distrust Him. Elijah may have been strengthened for this very journey, Because God would meet with him and teach him the lessons of patience and trust he needed to learn, at the "mount of God" itself. And his answer, especially when contrasted with that of ver. 14 (where see note), certainly betrays, not only irritation and despair, but a "carnal zeal which would gladly have called down the vengeance of the Almighty upon all idolaters" (Keil). The question in itself, it is true, does not necessarily impart censure - it might merely mean, "What wouldst thou learn of me?" But when it is remembered that the prophet had been <span class="accented">sent</span> to every other destination by the "word of the Lord," and that he had left Jezreel without any such word - left it in terror and bitter disappointment and sheer distrust of God - it does look as if the words conveyed a gentle reminder that he had deserted the post of duty, and had no right to be there. So Clerieus, "<span class="accented">Quasi</span> <span class="accented">Deus</span> <span class="accented">diceret nihil esse Eliae negotii in solitudine, sed potius in locis habitatis, ut illic homies ad veri Dei cultum adduceret</span>."] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/19-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">There</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Elijah entered</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a cave</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְּעָרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mə·‘ā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4631.htm">Strong's 4631: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cavern</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and spent the night.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֣לֶן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·len)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3885.htm">Strong's 3885: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And the word</span><br /><span class="heb">דְבַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·ḇar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came to him,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are you doing here,</span><br /><span class="heb">פֹ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> </span><span class="str2">This place, here</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Elijah?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלִיָּֽהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lî·yā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_452.htm">Strong's 452: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/19-9.htm">1 Kings 19:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/19-9.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 19:9 He came there to a cave (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 19:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 19:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 19:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 19:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>