Bible Strands
1 Kings 17:13
“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Elijah speaks to a starving widow at Zarephath who is preparing her final meal, instructing her to stop fearing and to bake a small cake for him before feeding herself and her son.
The words — The text records Elijah’s command using אַל־ תִּירְאִי (al-tir’i), meaning “do not fear,” and כִּדְבָרֵךְ (kidvarakh), meaning “according to your word.”
The thread — The text’s sequence of prioritizing divine instruction before personal sustenance runs parallel to the command to bring the full tithe into the storehouse in Malachi 3:10 and the promise to seek the kingdom first in Matthew 6:33.
Why it lands — The text demands immediate obedience to a command that contradicts visible circumstances, requiring the reader to act on the spoken word before the promised provision appears.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
Cross-references
- Malachi 3:10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
- Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
- Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.
- Judges 7:5 So Gideon brought the men down to the water, and the LORD said to him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink.”
- 2 Kings 6:16 “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
- 2 Chronicles 20:17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”
- Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;
- Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.
- Matthew 28:5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.