1 Kings 17:19

KJV

And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto her, Give {H5414} me thy son {H1121}. And he took {H3947} him out of her bosom {H2436}, and carried him up {H5927} into a loft {H5944}, where he abode {H3427}, and laid {H7901} him upon his own bed {H4296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Give me your son," he said to her. Taking him from her lap, he carried him into the room upstairs where he was staying and laid him on his own bed.

Berean Standard Bible

But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed.

American Standard Version

And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into the chamber, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 17:19 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, depicting the prophet's immediate, compassionate, and decisive response to the death of the widow's son. After the grieving mother confronts him, Elijah, without hesitation or explanation, requests the deceased child. He then tenderly takes the boy from her embrace and carries him to his private upper chamber, laying him upon his own bed. This action sets the stage for a miraculous divine intervention, demonstrating Elijah's unwavering faith and preparing the sacred space for God's life-giving power to be displayed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Elijah's ministry during a severe famine, a judgment sent by God upon Israel due to Ahab and Jezebel's idolatry. Having been miraculously sustained by ravens and then by the widow of Zarephath through an unfailing jar of flour and jug of oil ([1 Kings 17:8-16](/1-kings/17-8 "1 Kings 17:8-16 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath")), Elijah is deeply embedded in the life of this Gentile household. The sudden illness and death of the widow's only son ([1 Kings 17:17](/1-kings/17-17 "1 Kings 17:17 - The Son's Sickness")) shatters the fragile peace and prompts a desperate, accusatory lament from the mother, who attributes the tragedy to Elijah's presence and her own unconfessed sin ([1 Kings 17:18](/1-kings/17-18 "1 Kings 17:18 - The Widow's Accusation")). Elijah's simple command, "Give me thy son," in verse 19, is his immediate and direct response, shifting the focus from the widow's despair to his own intercessory action. This transition highlights the prophet's role as God's instrument of life in the midst of death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite homes, particularly in a village like Zarephath (a Phoenician town, indicating cultural overlap), often featured an "upper chamber" or "loft" (`'aliyah`). These rooms were typically built on the flat roof or as a second story, accessible by an external staircase. They served various purposes: guest rooms, private spaces for prayer or meditation, or storage. Their elevated position offered privacy and quiet, making them ideal for solemn or sacred activities. The act of carrying the deceased son from the mother's "bosom" (`ḥêq`) underscores the deeply personal and intimate nature of the loss. In a culture where children, especially sons, were vital for lineage and economic security, the death of an only son was a catastrophic event, leaving the widow utterly destitute and without future hope. Elijah's action respects the cultural understanding of the sanctity of such a private space for a profound spiritual encounter.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 17:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty over Life and Death**, demonstrating God's ultimate authority even in the face of apparent finality. Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Authority and Intercession**, portraying Elijah not merely as a messenger but as an active agent of God's power, capable of interceding for life. His decisive action foreshadows the greater power over death demonstrated by Christ. Thirdly, the event emphasizes **God's Compassion for the Vulnerable**, particularly a grieving widow and her deceased son, reflecting God's deep care for those in desperate circumstances, a theme woven throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Defender of Widows")). Finally, it serves as a **Preparation for Miracle**, setting the stage for the first recorded resurrection in the Bible, a testament to God's unique ability to bring life out of death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bosom (Hebrew, _ḥêq'_):** This word refers to the lap, chest, or bosom, often signifying a place of intimate closeness, comfort, or protection. In this context, it emphasizes the profound, physical bond between a mother and her child, even in death. Elijah taking the boy from her "bosom" highlights the tender and deeply personal nature of the mother's loss and the immediate, compassionate response required.
* **Loft (Hebrew, _'aliyah'_):** Literally meaning "that which goes up" or "ascends," an `aliyah` was an upper chamber or roof room, typically a private, elevated space. Its significance here is multi-layered: it provides a secluded setting for Elijah's intense intercession, symbolizing a separation from the world's despair and a ascent towards divine encounter. It becomes a sacred space where the prophet can focus entirely on God's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto her, Give me thy son":** This is Elijah's immediate and authoritative response to the widow's lament. It is not a question but a command, cutting through her grief and accusation with decisive faith. It signifies Elijah's readiness to act as God's instrument, taking responsibility for the situation and initiating the process of divine intervention.
* **"And he took him out of her bosom":** This phrase conveys a moment of profound tenderness and empathy. The "bosom" represents the most intimate place of a mother's embrace, highlighting the depth of her loss. Elijah's action is not merely practical; it is an act of compassion, gently relieving the mother of her burden and signifying his willingness to carry the weight of her sorrow.
* **"and carried him up into a loft, where he abode":** Elijah's act of carrying the boy to his own private upper room (the `aliyah`) is deliberate and purposeful. This "loft" is Elijah's personal dwelling space, a place of solitude and prayer. By bringing the deceased child into his own sanctuary, Elijah demonstrates his commitment to intercede intensely and privately, setting the stage for a direct, unhindered encounter with God's power.
* **"and laid him upon his own bed":** Placing the boy on his own bed further emphasizes the personal nature of Elijah's intercession. It's an act of intimacy and care, treating the deceased child as if he were still alive and under his personal charge. This action transforms a place of rest into a sacred space, preparing it for the display of God's life-giving power and underscoring the prophet's profound faith that God could reverse death.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 17:19 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in the "loft" or upper chamber, which transcends its architectural function to symbolize a sacred, private space for divine encounter and intercession. It represents an ascent from earthly despair to heavenly hope. The "bosom" serves as a poignant **Metonymy**, representing the mother's deepest love, grief, and physical connection to her child. Elijah's simple command, "Give me thy son," demonstrates **Conciseness** and **Authority**, cutting through the emotional chaos with a clear, faith-filled directive. Furthermore, the entire scene acts as **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing forward to greater acts of resurrection in biblical history, particularly those performed by Elisha, Peter, and ultimately, Jesus Christ, establishing a pattern of God's power over death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 17:19 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human suffering and His ultimate sovereignty over life and death. It reveals that even in the face of apparent finality, God's power is not limited, and He can use His chosen servants as instruments of His life-giving will. Elijah's compassionate and decisive action prefigures the divine empathy and power that would be fully embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, who likewise demonstrated authority over death. The passage underscores the importance of intercessory prayer and faith in desperate circumstances, reminding believers that God hears and responds to the cries of His people, often in ways that defy natural expectation.

* [2 Kings 4:32-35](/2-kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-35 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")
* [Luke 7:12-15](/luke/7-12 "Luke 7:12-15 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")
* [Acts 9:36-41](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36-41 - Peter Raises Dorcas")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 17:19 offers a powerful lesson in faith, compassion, and the nature of divine intervention. In moments of profound loss and despair, like the widow's, our natural inclination might be to accuse, to question, or to retreat into grief. Yet, Elijah's response is a model of active, empathetic faith. He doesn't offer empty platitudes or theological explanations; he acts decisively, taking the burden upon himself and bringing it into a sacred space of intimate communion with God. This passage encourages us to bring our deepest sorrows and seemingly hopeless situations directly to God, through prayer and faithful action, trusting in His ultimate power to bring life out of death, hope out of despair. It reminds us that God cares deeply for the vulnerable and that His compassion often manifests through the hands and hearts of His servants. We are called to be instruments of God's comfort and power, willing to step into the pain of others and intercede with unwavering faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elijah's immediate and decisive action in this verse challenge our typical responses to tragedy or seemingly hopeless situations?**
* **What does the "loft" symbolize for your own spiritual life, and how can you create a similar "sacred space" for intercession and encounter with God?**
* **In what ways can you, like Elijah, embody God's compassion and act as an instrument of hope for those experiencing profound loss or despair in your community?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elijah take the boy to his own bed in the loft instead of praying over him immediately where he was?**

Answer: Elijah's actions in taking the boy to his own bed in the loft were deeply significant and purposeful. The "loft" (`'aliyah`) was a private, elevated space, often used for prayer, meditation, or quiet retreat. By bringing the deceased child into this personal sanctuary, Elijah was creating a sacred and secluded environment for intense intercession. Laying the boy on his own bed was an act of profound identification and intimacy; it was not merely a practical placement but a symbolic gesture of taking the boy's death personally, as if it were his own burden. This act demonstrated Elijah's unwavering faith and commitment to the miracle he was about to seek. It set the stage for a direct, unhindered encounter with God's life-giving power, away from the immediate grief and public gaze, underscoring the solemnity and focus of the divine work. It also highlights the prophet's unique role as a mediator, bringing the desperate situation directly to God in a dedicated space (compare with [2 Kings 4:33](/2-kings/4-33 "2 Kings 4:33 - Elisha enters the room and shuts the door")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous resurrection of the widow's son by Elijah in 1 Kings 17:19-24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elijah, as God's prophet, acted as an instrument of divine power, bringing life from death through intercession. This foreshadows the Lord Jesus, who is not merely an instrument but the very source of life itself ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him was life")). Christ's power over death is inherent, demonstrated not through pleading with God, but through His own divine authority, as seen when He commanded the dead to rise, such as the daughter of Jairus ([Mark 5:41-42](/mark/5-41 "Mark 5:41-42 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")) or the widow of Nain's son, whom He touched and commanded, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" ([Luke 7:14](/luke/7-14 "Luke 7:14 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")). Most significantly, Jesus Himself conquered death through His own resurrection, becoming the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1-corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Elijah's act of carrying the boy to his "loft" and laying him on his bed, an act of compassionate identification, points to Christ's ultimate identification with humanity in His incarnation and His willingness to bear our sin and death on the cross, so that we might have abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). Thus, Elijah's miracle is a powerful Old Testament echo of the greater, redemptive life-giving power of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

2 Kings 4:32

And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid upon his bed.

Acts 9:37

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid [her] in an upper chamber.

2 Kings 4:21

And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut [the door] upon him, and went out.

2 Kings 4:10

Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.