1 Kings 17:16

KJV

[And] the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the barrel {H3537} of meal {H7058} wasted {H3615} not, neither did the cruse {H6835} of oil {H8081} fail {H2638}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, which he spake {H1696} by {H3027} Elijah {H452}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The pot of meal did not get used up, nor did there fail to be oil in the jug, in fulfillment of the word of ADONAI spoken through Eliyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah.

American Standard Version

The jar of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of Jehovah, which he spake by Elijah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 17:16 powerfully recounts the ongoing miracle of divine provision for the prophet Elijah, the widow of Zarephath, and her son during a severe famine in Israel. This verse confirms that, despite the dire circumstances, their barrel of meal and cruse of oil were continuously replenished, never diminishing, precisely as the LORD had promised through Elijah. It stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, His limitless capacity to sustain His people, and the absolute reliability of His spoken word, even in the most desperate and seemingly impossible situations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic confirmation of a specific divine promise made earlier in the chapter. The narrative begins with Elijah's bold prophecy of a severe drought to King Ahab in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy of Drought"). Following this, God commands Elijah to hide by the brook Cherith, where he is miraculously fed by ravens ([1 Kings 17:2-6](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2-6 - Elijah at Brook Cherith")). When the brook dries up, the LORD directs Elijah to Zarephath, a Gentile town in Sidon, where he encounters a destitute widow preparing her last meal for herself and her son before they expect to die of starvation ([1 Kings 17:7-12](/1_kings/17-7 "1 Kings 17:7-12 - Elijah Sent to Zarephath")). Elijah, speaking by divine authority, promises that if she first provides for him, her meal and oil will not fail until the LORD sends rain ([1 Kings 17:13-14](/1_kings/17-13 "1 Kings 17:13-14 - Elijah's Promise to the Widow")). Verse 16 serves as the emphatic fulfillment of this promise, demonstrating God's immediate and sustained faithfulness to His word and to those who obey Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Drought") unfold during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, a period marked by widespread apostasy in Israel. Ahab, influenced by Jezebel, had actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading the nation away from the LORD. The drought, prophesied by Elijah, was a direct divine judgment against this idolatry, intended to demonstrate the LORD's supremacy over Baal, who was worshipped as the god of rain and fertility. Zarephath, located in Sidon, was a Phoenician city, part of Jezebel's homeland, making the miracle's location significant. Widows in ancient Near Eastern society were among the most vulnerable, often lacking social and economic support, making the widow's dire situation and God's miraculous intervention on her behalf particularly poignant. Her willingness to obey Elijah, a stranger and an Israelite prophet, despite her extreme poverty, highlights a profound act of faith in a context of despair.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 17:16](/1_kings/17-16 "1 Kings 17:16 - The Widow's Sustained Provision") encapsulates several crucial themes prevalent throughout the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings"):
* **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over creation, including natural phenomena like famine, and His ability to supernaturally intervene to sustain life. It underscores that His resources are limitless, defying human logic and natural limitations.
* **Faithfulness of God's Word:** The phrase "according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah" is central, emphasizing that God's promises are utterly reliable and will be fulfilled precisely as spoken. This miracle serves as a profound illustration of the authority, truthfulness, and efficacy of God's prophetic word, contrasting sharply with the impotence of Baal.
* **Obedience and Trust as Channels for Blessing:** The widow's act of faith, in sharing her last morsel of food, was met with sustained miraculous provision. Her obedience, despite overwhelming odds and personal hardship, became the very channel for God's blessing, underscoring that faith-filled obedience unlocks divine favor. This narrative is even referenced by Jesus in [Luke 4:25-26](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25-26 - Jesus References Elijah and the Widow") to illustrate the nature of faith and God's sovereign choice.
* **God's Compassion Beyond Israel:** The miracle's occurrence in Zarephath, a Gentile city, demonstrates God's compassion and power extending beyond the covenant people of Israel. This foreshadows a broader scope of God's redemptive plan and care for all humanity, highlighting that God works through His chosen servants even among those considered outsiders.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wasted not (Hebrew: לֹא־כָלָה, _lo-khala_):** This phrase literally means "did not come to an end," "was not consumed," or "did not cease." The verb _kalah_ (כָּלָה) signifies completion, consumption, or utter destruction. The negation _lo_ (לֹא) emphasizes the continuous, unceasing nature of the meal's supply. It highlights the miracle's defiance of natural depletion, asserting an ongoing, supernatural replenishment that prevented any diminishment.
* **Fail (Hebrew: לֹא־חָסֵר, _lo-chasér_):** This phrase means "did not lack," "was not diminished," or "did not run short." The verb _chasér_ (חָסֵר) denotes being deficient, lacking, or wanting. The negation _lo_ (לֹא) here reinforces the idea of absolute sufficiency and continuous abundance. Together with "wasted not," it paints a picture of a resource that, contrary to all natural expectation, remained perpetually full and available, a direct testament to God's boundless provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the barrel of meal wasted not":** This clause describes the first part of the miraculous provision. The "barrel" (כַּד, _kad_) refers to an earthenware jar, typically used for storing dry goods like flour or meal. The statement "wasted not" confirms that the contents of this jar, which the widow believed contained her very last meal, were supernaturally preserved and continuously replenished, never reaching depletion. This directly fulfilled Elijah's promise and demonstrated God's power over scarcity.
* **"neither did the cruse of oil fail":** This clause describes the second part of the miracle, concerning the liquid provision. The "cruse" (צַפַּחַת, _tsappakhath_) was a small jug or flask, likely for oil. The phrase "did not fail" signifies that the oil, essential for cooking and light, never ran out. Like the meal, it was miraculously sustained, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's provision for all basic needs. The pairing of meal and oil underscores the completeness of the sustenance provided.
* **"according to the word of the LORD":** This crucial phrase attributes the entire miracle directly to divine causality. It emphasizes that the supernatural sustenance was not random chance or a natural phenomenon, but a direct consequence of God's spoken word. This highlights God's active involvement and His absolute control over the circumstances, demonstrating His faithfulness to His own declarations.
* **"which he spake by Elijah":** This final clause identifies Elijah as the divinely appointed messenger through whom the LORD's promise was conveyed. It validates Elijah's prophetic authority and underscores that the miracle was a fulfillment of a specific, prophetic utterance. This reinforces the theme of God working through His chosen servants and confirms the reliability of the prophetic word as a direct conduit of divine will.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Kings 17:16](/1_kings/17-16 "1 Kings 17:16 - The Widow's Sustained Provision") masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its theological impact. Foremost is **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word directly brings about a new reality. The miracle is explicitly stated to occur "according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah," underscoring that the divine promise is not merely a prediction but a powerful, creative command that materializes into sustained provision. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and the efficacy of His word. Furthermore, the passage uses **Repetition** in the phrases "wasted not" and "did not fail," which, while distinct, both convey the continuous, undiminishing nature of the miracle. This repetition emphasizes the reliability and ongoing character of God's provision, reinforcing the idea that the miracle was not a one-time event but a daily, sustained act of grace. There is also a strong element of **Symbolism** present; the meal and oil, basic necessities for life, symbolize God's comprehensive and sustaining grace, demonstrating that He provides for all needs, both physical and, by extension, spiritual. The miracle itself serves as a **Fulfillment** of prophecy, confirming Elijah's divine commission and validating his message, thereby strengthening the audience's faith in the true God over the impotent idols of Baal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 17:16 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and His relationship with humanity. It unequivocally declares God's absolute faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating His power to intervene supernaturally in the natural world to sustain life. This miracle is not merely about physical provision; it is a powerful sign of God's covenant loyalty even in a time of national apostasy. It highlights that God's grace extends beyond the conventional boundaries of Israel, reaching a Gentile widow, thereby foreshadowing the universal scope of His redemptive plan. The widow's faith, though seemingly small, became the conduit for a monumental display of divine power, illustrating that God often chooses the weak and the humble to manifest His glory, proving that His strength is made perfect in weakness. This narrative serves as an enduring testament to God's boundless resources and His unwavering commitment to those who trust and obey Him, even in the direst circumstances.

* [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken")
* [Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31 "Matthew 6:31-33 - Seek First the Kingdom")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring miracle of the barrel of meal and cruse of oil in 1 Kings 17:16 offers profound lessons for believers today, inviting us to deepen our trust in God's unfailing provision. In a world often characterized by anxiety over scarcity, economic uncertainty, or personal lack, this verse serves as a powerful antidote, reminding us that our ultimate source of sustenance is not our own ingenuity, resources, or the systems of the world, but the limitless power and faithfulness of God. It challenges us to cultivate a radical dependence on Him, even when our visible resources are dwindling to nothing. Like the widow, our willingness to obey God's commands, to give even when it feels like we have nothing left, or to step out in faith when circumstances seem impossible, can become the very channel through which God unleashes His miraculous provision. This passage encourages us to live with open hands, trusting that God's supply is inexhaustible and that His word, once spoken, will never return void. It calls us to recognize that true security is found not in accumulated wealth, but in the unwavering promises of a faithful God who delights in sustaining His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "famine" or a sense of scarcity, and how can you apply the lesson of God's limitless provision from this passage to those areas?**
* **What "last morsel" might God be asking you to release in faith, trusting that your obedience will open the door for His miraculous supply?**
* **How does the phrase "according to the word of the LORD" strengthen your confidence in God's promises for your own life today?**
* **How can the story of the Gentile widow of Zarephath expand your understanding of God's compassion and desire to provide for all people, not just a select few?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the barrel of meal and cruse of oil never failing?**

Answer: The significance was multifaceted. Firstly, it was a direct, ongoing miracle that defied natural laws, powerfully demonstrating the LORD's absolute supremacy over Baal, the Canaanite god worshipped by Ahab and Jezebel, who was supposedly responsible for rain and fertility. The drought itself was a judgment against Baal worship, and this sustained provision highlighted that the true God, Yahweh, controls life and sustenance. Secondly, it validated Elijah's prophetic word, proving he was a true prophet of the LORD and that God's promises spoken through him were utterly reliable. Thirdly, it served as a profound testament to God's faithfulness and compassion, not only towards His prophet but also towards a destitute Gentile widow and her son, underscoring His care for the vulnerable and His ability to provide in the most extreme circumstances. This miracle sustained life for perhaps two to three years, until the drought ended in [1 Kings 18:1](/1_kings/18-1 "1 Kings 18:1 - Elijah Returns to Ahab").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous provision of meal and oil in 1 Kings 17:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal source of all spiritual sustenance. Just as the barrel and cruse never failed, Christ is the inexhaustible "bread of life" and the "living water" who perpetually satisfies the deepest hunger and thirst of the human soul ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). The physical provision for the widow and Elijah foreshadows the spiritual provision of salvation and eternal life offered through Christ's sacrifice, which is never depleted but is eternally sufficient for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Moreover, the miracle's occurrence in Zarephath, a Gentile city, prefigures Christ's universal mission to bring salvation not only to Israel but to all nations, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, the continuous, supernatural supply of meal and oil points to Christ as the one who sustains His church and His people through His Spirit, providing all that is needed for life and godliness, ensuring that His grace is always sufficient and His promises never fail ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient"); [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:28

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Matthew 9:30

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See [that] no man know [it].

John 4:50

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

John 4:51

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told [him], saying, Thy son liveth.

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

1 Kings 16:12

Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,

1 Kings 13:5

The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.