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"Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/19-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/11_1Ki_19_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah Flees From Jezebel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="while he himself traveled on a day's journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a 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 fathers." /><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/19-4.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/19-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/19-3.htm" title="1 Kings 19:3">◄</a> 1 Kings 19:4 <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm" title="1 Kings 19:5">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_kings/19.htm">New International Version</a> while he himself went a day&#8217s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. &#8220I have had enough, LORD,&#8221 he said. &#8220Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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.” <a href="/esv/1_kings/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a 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 fathers.” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/19.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/19.htm">New King James Version</a> 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!” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree; and he asked for himself to die, and said, “Enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> But he himself went a day&#8217s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, &#8220It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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 my life, for I am not better than my fathers.” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree; and he asked for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough; now, O Yahweh, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.” <a href="/amp/1_kings/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But he himself traveled a day’s journey into the wilderness, and he came and sat down under a juniper tree and asked [God] that he might die. He said, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” <a href="/csb/1_kings/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! LORD, take my life, for I’m no better than my ancestors.” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> but he went on a day&#8217s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, &#8220I have had enough! LORD, take my life, for I&#8217m no better than my fathers.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 Jehovah, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. <a href="/cev/1_kings/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> then walked another whole day into the desert. Finally, he came to a large bush and sat down in its shade. He begged the LORD, "I've had enough. Just let me die! I'm no better off than my ancestors." <a href="/erv/1_kings/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then he traveled through the wilderness for a day. He sat down under a broom plant and wanted to die. "I've had enough now, LORD," he said. "Take my life! I'm no better than my ancestors." <a href="/gnt/1_kings/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down in the shade of a tree and wished he would die. "It's too much, LORD," he prayed. "Take away my life; I might as well be dead!" <a href="/isv/1_kings/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> and ran for a day's journey deep into the wilderness. He found a juniper tree, sat down under it, and prayed that he could die. He asked God, "Enough! LORD! Take my life, because I'm not better than my ancestors!" <a href="/msb/1_kings/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> while he himself went a day?s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a 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 fathers.? <a href="/net/1_kings/19.htm">NET Bible</a> while he went a day's journey into the desert. He went and sat down under a shrub and asked the LORD to take his life: "I've had enough! Now, O LORD, take my life. After all, I'm no better than my ancestors." <a href="/nheb/1_kings/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom 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 no better than my fathers." <a href="/wbt/1_kings/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/1_kings/19.htm">World English Bible</a> But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree. Then he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough. Now, O Yahweh, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he himself has gone a day’s journey into the wilderness, and comes and sits under a certain broom tree, and desires his soul to die, and says, “Enough, now, O YHWH, take my soul, for I [am] not better than my fathers.” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he himself hath gone into the wilderness a day's Journey, and cometh and sitteth under a certain retem-tree, and desireth his soul to die, and saith, 'Enough, now, O Jehovah, take my soul, for I am not better than my fathers.' <a href="/slt/1_kings/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he went into the desert the way of a day, and he will come and sit under one broom-tree: and he will ask for his soul to die: and he will say, Much now, O Jehovah, Take my soul, for I am not good above my fathers.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he went forward, one day's journey into the desert. And when he was there, and sat under a juniper tree, he requested for his soul that he might die, and said: It is enough for me, Lord, take away my soul: for I am no better than my fathers. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he continued on, into the desert, for one day’s journey. And when he had arrived, and was sitting under a juniper tree, he requested for his soul that he might die. And he said: “It is enough for me, O Lord. Take my soul. For I am no better than my fathers.” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/19.htm">New American Bible</a> and went a day’s journey into the wilderness, until he came to a solitary broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death: “Enough, LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under an oak tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is enough for me; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he walked in the wilderness one day’s journey and sat down under an oak, and he asked death for himself and said: “It is too much for me! Now, LORD JEHOVAH, take my soul from me, because I have not been better than my fathers!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom-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.' <a href="/sep/1_kings/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he himself went a day's journey in the wilderness, and came and sat under a juniper tree; and asked concerning his life that he might die, and said, Let it be enough now, O Lord, take, I pray thee, my life from me; for I am no better than my fathers. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/19-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=7509" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/19.htm">Elijah Flees From Jezebel</a> …3And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4<a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū- (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">while he himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">traveled on</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm (N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">a day’s</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">journey</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: bam·miḏ·bār (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">into the wilderness.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">He sat down</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ʾɛ·ḥå̄ṯ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">a</a> <a href="/hebrew/7574.htm" title="7574: rō·ṯem (N-ms) -- Broom plant, retem. Or rothem; from ratham; the Spanish broom.">broom tree</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">and prayed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">that he</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: lā·mūṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">might die.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: raḇ (Adv) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">“I have had enough,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive."></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.">LORD,”</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.">he said.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: qaḥ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">“Take</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I am</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: mê·’ă·ḇō·ṯāy (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">than my fathers.”</a> 5Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/11-15.htm">Numbers 11:15</a> If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” <a href="/jonah/4-3.htm">Jonah 4:3</a> And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” <a href="/job/3-20.htm">Job 3:20-22</a> Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul, / who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure, / who rejoice and greatly exult when they reach the grave? <a href="/jeremiah/20-14.htm">Jeremiah 20:14-18</a> Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed. / Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, “A son is born to you,” bringing him great joy. / May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, ... <a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38</a> Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” <a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">2 Corinthians 1:8-9</a> We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Philippians 1:21-23</a> For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. / But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. / I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. <a href="/psalms/42-5.htm">Psalm 42:5-6</a> Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. / O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon—even from Mount Mizar. <a href="/psalms/55-6.htm">Psalm 55:6-8</a> I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. / How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah / I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.” <a href="/psalms/69-1.htm">Psalm 69:1-3</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. / I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. / I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. <a href="/psalms/88-3.htm">Psalm 88:3-7</a> For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. / I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. / I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care. ... <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Psalm 143:3-4</a> For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. / My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me. <a href="/lamentations/3-17.htm">Lamentations 3:17-20</a> My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. / So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the LORD.” / Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. ... <a href="/isaiah/49-4.htm">Isaiah 49:4</a> But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” <a href="/romans/8-26.htm">Romans 8:26</a> In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.sat down<a href="/1_kings/13-14.htm">1 Kings 13:14</a> And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am.<a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Genesis 21:15,16</a> And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs… <a href="/john/4-6.htm">John 4:6</a> Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.he requested<a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">1 Kings 19:3</a> And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.<a href="/numbers/11-15.htm">Numbers 11:15</a> And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.<a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">2 Kings 2:11</a> And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.for himself [heb] for his life <a href="/amos/6-2.htm">Amos 6:2</a> Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border?<a href="/nahum/3-8.htm">Nahum 3:8</a> Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, that had the waters round about it, whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was from the sea?<a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Matthew 6:26</a> Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">Broom-Tree</a> <a href="/numbers/11-31.htm">Day's</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-20.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-32.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-28.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-6.htm">Juniper</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">Juniper-Tree</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">Requested</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-11.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-23.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-18.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/21-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">Broom-Tree</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-37.htm">Day's</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-3.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-7.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">Juniper</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">Juniper-Tree</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-10.htm">Requested</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-15.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 19</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/19-1.htm">Elijah, threatened by Jezebel, flees to Beersheba</a> 4. <a href="/1_kings/19-4.htm">In the desert, being weary of his life, he is comforted by an angel</a> 9. <a href="/1_kings/19-9.htm">At Horeb God appears unto him, sending him to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha</a> 19. <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">Elisha, taking leave of his friends, follows Elijah</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. Elijah's journey into the wilderness reflects a common biblical theme of retreating into desolate places for spiritual encounters or renewal, as seen with Moses and Jesus. The wilderness often symbolizes a place of testing and divine encounter. Elijah's solitary journey indicates his deep distress and desire to escape from the threats of Jezebel, who sought his life after his victory over the prophets of Baal. The wilderness here is likely the Negev, a harsh and arid region, emphasizing Elijah's desperation and isolation.He sat down under a broom tree The broom tree, or juniper, is a small desert shrub providing minimal shade, symbolizing Elijah's vulnerability and exhaustion. This setting underscores his physical and spiritual depletion. The broom tree is mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/job/30-4.htm">Job 30:4</a>, where it is associated with desolation and survival. Its presence highlights the severity of Elijah's situation and his need for divine intervention.and prayed that he might die. Elijah's prayer for death reveals his profound despair and sense of failure. Despite his recent triumph on Mount Carmel, he feels overwhelmed by the opposition and his perceived ineffectiveness. This moment of vulnerability is reminiscent of other biblical figures like Jonah and Job, who also expressed a desire for death in times of extreme distress. Elijah's prayer indicates a crisis of faith and a need for God's reassurance.“I have had enough, LORD,” he said. Elijah's declaration of having "had enough" reflects his exhaustion and the limits of his endurance. This statement is a candid expression of his human frailty and the emotional toll of his prophetic ministry. It highlights the theme of human limitation and the need for divine strength, a recurring motif in Scripture. Elijah's honesty before God serves as a reminder of the importance of bringing one's burdens to the Lord.“Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Elijah's comparison to his ancestors suggests a feeling of inadequacy and failure to live up to the legacy of the prophets before him. This reflects a common biblical theme of self-doubt and the struggle to fulfill one's divine calling. Elijah's lament can be seen as a type of Christ, who also experienced deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, unlike Elijah, Jesus fully submitted to the Father's will, highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ. Elijah's plea underscores the need for divine grace and the assurance that God's purposes prevail despite human weakness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a> 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. 2. <a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a> A desolate place where Elijah retreats, symbolizing both physical and spiritual desolation and isolation. 3. <a href="/topical/b/broom_tree.htm">Broom Tree</a> A small desert shrub under which Elijah finds temporary shelter and shade, representing a place of rest and reflection. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_death.htm">Prayer for Death</a> Elijah's desperate plea to God, expressing his deep despair and sense of failure. 5. <a href="/topical/c/comparison_to_fathers.htm">Comparison to Fathers</a> Elijah's acknowledgment of his perceived inadequacy and failure in comparison to his ancestors.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_human_frailty.htm">Acknowledging Human Frailty</a> Elijah's experience reminds us that even the most faithful servants of God can experience moments of deep despair and weakness. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_rest_and_reflection.htm">The Importance of Rest and Reflection</a> Elijah's retreat into the wilderness and rest under the broom tree highlights the need for physical and spiritual rest in times of distress. <a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_despair.htm">God's Presence in Despair</a> Despite Elijah's feelings of abandonment, God is present and ready to provide comfort and guidance, reminding us of His constant presence in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_honest_prayer.htm">The Power of Honest Prayer</a> Elijah's candid prayer demonstrates the importance of bringing our true feelings and struggles before God, trusting Him with our deepest fears and failures. <a href="/topical/f/finding_strength_in_god's_promises.htm">Finding Strength in God's Promises</a> In moments of despair, we are encouraged to find strength and hope in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to sustain us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 19</a> <a href="/q/what_is_a_'broom_tree'_in_the_bible.htm">What does "broom tree" mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/can_christians_experience_depression.htm">Can Christians experience depression?</a> <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> <a href="/q/bible's_advice_on_overcoming_discouragement.htm">What does the Bible say about overcoming discouragement?</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>(4) Juniper tree.--A sort of broom, found abundantly in the desert. It has been noted that its roots were much prized for charcoal, the "coal" of <a href="/1_kings/19-6.htm" title="And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baked on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.">1Kings 19:6</a>.I am not better than my fathers.--The exclamation is characteristic. Evidently he had hoped that he himself was "better than his fathers" as a servant of God--singled out beyond all those that went before him, to be the victorious champion of a great crisis, "he, and he alone" (<a href="/1_kings/18-22.htm" title="Then said Elijah to the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.">1Kings 18:22</a>; <a href="/context/1_kings/19-10.htm" title="And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.">1Kings 19:10-14</a>). Now he thinks his hope vain, and sees no reason why he should succeed when all who went before have failed. Why, he asks, should he live when the rest of the prophets have died?<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness [Cf. <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Genesis 21:14, 21</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/9-2.htm">Jeremiah 9:2</a>; <a href="/revelation/12-6.htm">Revelation 12:6</a>. Beer-sheba stands on the fringe of the desert of Et-Tih. It was not for the sake of security alone that the prophet plunged into the "great and terrible wilderness." It is probable that from the first, "Horeb, the mount of God," was in his thoughts. He may well have seen that he was destined to be a second Moses; that he was raised up to assert and enforce the covenant of which Moses was the mediator. We have seen already that he cites the words spoken to Moses at the bush (<a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">1 Kings 18:36</a>); that to him as to Moses there was granted an apparition of fire; we now find him rejected as Moses had been before him (<a href="/acts/7-25.htm">Acts 7:25, 35</a>). How natural that, like Moses, he should flee into the land of Midian, to the place where God had spoken With Moses face to face. Wordsworth reminds us that the Jewish Church, by its cycle of lessons, suggests a comparison between the Law Giver and the Law Restorer], and came and sat down under a [Heb. one; see note on 1 Kings 13:11] juniper tree [The רֹתֶם, here found with a feminine numeral (Keri, masculine), in ver. 5 with a masculine, is not the juniper, but the plant now known to the Arabs as retem, i.e., the broom (genista monosperma, or G. raetam), "the most longed for and most welcome bush of the desert, abundant in beds of streams and valleys, where spots for camping are selected, and men sit clown and sleep in order to be protected against wind and sun" (Robinson, Pal. vol. 1. p. 203). It does not, however, afford a complete protection (Thomson, L. and B. vol. 2. pp. 436, 437). Every traveller remarks on its abundance in the desert; it gave a name, Rithmah, to one of the stations of the Israelites (<a href="/numbers/33-18.htm">Numbers 33:18</a>. Cf. Stanley, S. and P. pp. 20, 79). Its roots are still used by the Bedouin, for the manufacture of charcoal (cf. <a href="/psalms/120-4.htm">Psalm 120:4</a>, "coals of rethern"), which they carry to Cairo]: and he requested for himself [Heb. asked as to his life, accusative of reference] that he might die [Again like Moses, <a href="/numbers/11-15.htm">Numbers 11:15</a>; <a href="/exodus/32-32.htm">Exodus 32:32</a>]; and said, It Is enough [or, Let it be enough. LXX. ἱκανούσθω. See note on 1 Kings 12:28]; now, O Lord, take away my life ["Strange contradiction! Here the man who was destined not to taste of death, flees from death on the one hand and seeks it on the other." Kitto]; for I am not better than my fathers. [These words clearly reveal the great hopes Elijah had formed as to the result of his mission, and the terrible disappointment his banishment had occasioned him. Time was when he had thought himself a most special messenger of Heaven, raised up to effect the regeneration of his country. He now thinks his work is fruitless, and he has nothing to live for longer. Keil concludes from these words that Elijah was already of a great age, but this is extremely doubtful.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/19-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>while he himself וְהֽוּא־ (wə·hū-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are traveled on הָלַ֤ךְ (hā·laḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk a day’s י֔וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day journey דֶּ֣רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action into the wilderness. בַּמִּדְבָּר֙ (bam·miḏ·bār) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech He sat down וַיֵּ֕שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry under תַּ֖חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of a אֶחָ֑ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first broom tree רֹ֣תֶם (rō·ṯem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7574.htm">Strong's 7574: </a> Broom plant, retem and prayed וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל (way·yiš·’al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand that he נַפְשִׁ֔י (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion might die. לָמ֔וּת (lā·mūṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill “I have had enough, רַ֗ב (raḇ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great LORD,” יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel he said. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Take קַ֣ח (qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take my life, נַפְשׁוֹ֙ (nap̄·šōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I am אָנֹכִ֖י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I no לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no better ט֥וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good than my fathers.” מֵאֲבֹתָֽי׃ (mê·’ă·ḇō·ṯāy) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-4.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 19:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 19:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 19:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 19:5" /></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>