1 Kings 17:17

KJV

¶ And it came to pass after these things, [that] the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that the son {H1121} of the woman {H802}, the mistress {H1172} of the house {H1004}, fell sick {H2470}; and his sickness {H2483} was so {H3966} sore {H2389}, that there was no breath {H5397} left {H3498} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

A while later, the son of the woman whose house it was fell ill; his illness grew increasingly serious until his breathing stopped.

Berean Standard Bible

Later, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill, and his sickness grew worse and worse, until no breath remained in him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a period of miraculous provision where the flour and oil in the widow of Zarephath's jar did not fail, a sudden and devastating crisis struck her household: her only son fell gravely ill. The severity of his condition escalated rapidly, culminating in his death, a stark reality conveyed by the unequivocal statement that "there was no breath left in him." This profound tragedy, immediately after a divine blessing, set the stage for an even greater demonstration of God's power and sovereignty over life and death, challenging the faith of the widow and preparing for a pivotal moment in Elijah's prophetic ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks an abrupt and dramatic shift in the narrative of [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath"). Immediately preceding this crisis, the prophet Elijah had been miraculously sustained by God, first by ravens (1 Kings 17:2-7), and then by being sent to the widow of Zarephath. Verses [1 Kings 17:8-16](/1_kings/17-8-16 "1 Kings 17:8-16 - Elijah and the Widow's Unfailing Provision") detail the extraordinary provision of God, where the widow's small amount of flour and oil miraculously did not run out, sustaining her, her son, and Elijah during a severe drought. The sudden illness and death of the son in verse 17, therefore, comes as a profound shock, juxtaposing divine blessing with acute suffering and setting the stage for an even more profound display of God's power over life itself. It serves as a narrative pivot, moving from sustenance to resurrection, intensifying the stakes and preparing for a climactic demonstration of Yahweh's unique authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Zarephath, a town in Sidonian territory, specifically under the rule of King Ethbaal, father of Jezebel, who was a staunch worshiper of Baal. This setting is significant because Elijah, the prophet of Yahweh, is ministering outside the traditional boundaries of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty and compassion extending even to Gentiles. The severe drought, prophesied by Elijah in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Predicts a Drought"), was a divine judgment against Baal worship, as Baal was believed to be the god of rain and fertility. In this culture, the death of a male heir was catastrophic for a widow, as it meant the loss of her future support, lineage, and social standing. Her son was her only hope for security and continuation of her family line in a society without social safety nets, making his death an absolute and devastating personal tragedy that left her utterly vulnerable.

* **Key Themes:** The sudden death of the widow's son powerfully underscores several key themes within [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath") and the broader narrative of the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty Over Life and Death**, asserting God's ultimate authority even in the most dire circumstances, contrasting sharply with the impotence of Baal, who could not even bring rain, let alone life. Secondly, it presents a profound **Testing of Faith**, particularly for the widow who had just witnessed God's miraculous provision; this new crisis forces her to confront deeper questions about God's presence and purpose, echoing the trials faced by figures like Job (cf. [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - The Lord Gives and Takes Away")). Thirdly, the event serves as a **Preparation for God's Glory**, as this seemingly tragic turn of events is divinely orchestrated to reveal Yahweh's power through Elijah in a way that will solidify his prophetic authority and demonstrate God's compassion. Finally, it emphasizes the **Severity of the Crisis**, with the phrase "no breath left in him" leaving no ambiguity about the son's death, thereby amplifying the magnitude of the miracle that is about to unfold and setting a high bar for divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **things (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This word, H1697, is exceptionally broad in its meaning, encompassing "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," or "deed." In the phrase "after these things," it refers to the preceding events of miraculous sustenance and provision that Elijah and the widow had experienced. Its use here serves as a narrative bridge, linking the period of divine blessing to the sudden onset of crisis, indicating that the death of the son is a new development following the established pattern of God's provision.
* **sore (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** Derived from H2389, this term typically means "strong" or "firm," but here, as an adjective describing the sickness, it conveys an intense and severe quality. The illness was not merely a slight indisposition but possessed a powerful, overwhelming force that rapidly incapacitated the boy, leading directly to his demise. It emphasizes the dire and critical nature of his condition, suggesting an unstoppable progression towards death.
* **breath (Hebrew, _nᵉshâmâh'_):** This word, H5397, refers to the "breath of life" or "spirit," which in biblical thought is the vital animating principle that distinguishes a living being from a dead one, often associated with the divine act of creation (cf. [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam")). Its complete absence ("no breath left in him") unequivocally confirms the son's death, distinguishing his state from mere unconsciousness, a coma, or severe illness. This precise phrasing leaves no room for doubt regarding the reality of his death, making the subsequent resurrection a true and profound miracle over the cessation of life itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass after these things,":** This introductory phrase functions as a temporal and narrative connector, signaling a new, significant development in the story. It explicitly links the current tragic event to the preceding period of miraculous sustenance of the flour and oil, creating a stark and dramatic contrast between divine blessing and sudden, devastating crisis. It sets the stage for a shift in the narrative's focus from provision to a deeper test of faith and a greater display of God's power.
* **"[that] the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick;":** This clause precisely identifies the victim of the illness as the widow's only son, immediately highlighting the profound personal tragedy. The designation "the mistress of the house" emphasizes her status as the homeowner and the one providing hospitality to Elijah, making the suffering even more poignant for the prophet and the reader, as it directly impacts his benefactor. The sudden onset of sickness initiates the crisis, marking the beginning of the end for the boy's earthly life.
* **"and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.":** This final clause describes the rapid and fatal progression of the illness. The intensity of the sickness, described as "so sore," leaves no doubt about its severity and terminal nature. The ultimate outcome is explicitly stated by the phrase "there was no breath left in him," which is an unambiguous declaration of death. This definitive confirmation of the boy's demise is crucial, establishing the absolute direness of the situation and setting the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows, ensuring that the subsequent act of revival is understood as a true resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to heighten its impact and underscore its theological significance. **Juxtaposition** is prominently featured, contrasting the recent, ongoing miracle of unfailing provision (1 Kings 17:8-16) with the sudden, devastating reality of death. This stark opposition underscores the unpredictable nature of life, the depth of human vulnerability, and the sovereignty of God over both blessing and suffering. **Pathos** is powerfully evoked, as the reader is made to feel the profound sorrow and despair of the widow, whose last hope and means of support has been taken from her, intensifying the emotional weight of the narrative. The precise and unambiguous declaration, "there was no breath left in him," functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling that a truly monumental divine act will be required to resolve this crisis, hinting at the miracle of resurrection to come. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, aware of Elijah's prophetic power and God's overarching plan, anticipates a divine response, even as the characters within the story are gripped by despair and hopelessness, creating narrative tension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of the widow's son in Zarephath serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, not only over natural phenomena like drought and provision but ultimately over life and death itself. This tragic event, occurring immediately after a period of divine blessing, challenges the simplistic notion that God's favor always equates to an absence of suffering. Instead, it reveals that God sometimes permits trials, even devastating ones, to deepen faith, reveal His glory in unprecedented ways, and demonstrate His power to transcend human limitations, including death. It underscores that God's purposes are often far grander than immediate comfort, preparing the way for a demonstration of His life-giving power through His chosen prophet, Elijah, and ultimately pointing to the greater resurrection power of Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Kills and Makes Alive")
* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - The Lord Gives and Takes Away")
* [2 Kings 4:32-35](/2_kings/4-32-35 "2 Kings 4:32-35 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the widow's son falling sick and dying, even after experiencing God's miraculous provision, offers a sobering yet profoundly hopeful lesson for believers. It reminds us that God's blessings do not exempt us from the realities of a fallen world, including sickness, loss, and death. Moments of profound crisis, even those that follow periods of divine favor, are not necessarily indicators of God's displeasure or absence. Instead, they can be divinely appointed opportunities for God to reveal a deeper, more powerful dimension of His character and sovereignty than we have yet witnessed. This passage encourages us to cultivate a faith that trusts God not only in the provision of daily bread but also in the face of insurmountable loss, believing that He holds ultimate control over life and death and can bring life even from the grave. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances to discern God's larger, redemptive purposes, knowing that He is capable of intervening in the most desperate situations to display His glory and compassion, drawing us into a deeper, more resilient dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do sudden crises, even after periods of blessing, test our understanding of God's character and faithfulness?**
* **What does the phrase "no breath left in him" teach us about the reality of death and the magnitude of God's power over it?**
* **In what ways might God allow difficult circumstances to prepare us for a greater revelation of His glory and deepen our dependence on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did the son die after God had just provided for the family through a miracle?**

Answer: The son's death was not a punishment or a sign of God's abandonment, but rather a crucial part of God's divine plan to demonstrate His ultimate power and solidify Elijah's prophetic authority. Having already shown His power over nature (drought) and provision (unfailing flour and oil), God now intended to reveal His sovereignty over life and death itself. This profound tragedy served to deepen the widow's faith, move her to a place of desperate dependence on God through His prophet, and ultimately set the stage for one of the most remarkable miracles in the Old Testament: a resurrection. It also underscored God's compassion and willingness to work miracles even for those outside the covenant people of Israel, as seen in God's directive to Elijah in [1 Kings 17:9](/1_kings/17-9 "1 Kings 17:9 - Elijah Sent to Zarephath").

**Does "no breath left in him" definitively mean death, or just severe illness?**

Answer: The phrase "no breath left in him" unequivocally signifies death. The Hebrew word _neshamah_ (נְשָׁמָה), translated as "breath," refers to the "breath of life" or "spirit," which in biblical thought is the animating principle that distinguishes a living being from a dead one. Its complete absence means the cessation of life, as when God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" to make Adam a living being in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam"). This clear declaration of death is vital to the narrative, as it establishes the absolute direness of the situation and the magnitude of the miracle that follows. It ensures that the subsequent act of revival is understood as a true resurrection from death, not merely a recovery from a severe illness or a state of unconsciousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic death of the widow's son in Zarephath, and his subsequent miraculous resurrection through Elijah, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over death and His role as the giver of life. Elijah, as God's prophet, was an instrument of divine power, bringing life back to a lifeless body. This prefigures Jesus, who is not merely an instrument but the very source of life itself, embodying the divine authority over death. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Just as Elijah restored the widow's son, Jesus compassionately raised the widow of Nain's son ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")) and Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:35-43](/mark/5-35-43 "Mark 5:35-43 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")), demonstrating His intrinsic authority over death. The temporary restoration of life in the Old Testament points to Christ's eternal life-giving power, not just for physical bodies, but for the spiritual dead, offering new life to all who believe. The "breath of life" that departed the Zarephath boy finds its ultimate and permanent fulfillment in the Spirit of Christ, who gives life to our mortal bodies and promises resurrection to eternal life ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")).

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

Psalms 104:29

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

John 11:3

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

John 11:4

When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

2 Kings 4:18

¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.

2 Kings 4:20

And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and [then] died.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.