1 Kings 17:22

And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

And the LORD {H3068} heard {H8085} the voice {H6963} of Elijah {H452}; and the soul {H5315} of the child {H3206} came {H7725} into him {H7130} again {H7725}, and he revived {H2421}.

ADONAI heard Eliyahu's cry, the child's soul came back into him, and he revived.

And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived.

And Jehovah hearkened unto the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

Commentary

1 Kings 17:22 marks a pivotal moment in the ministry of the prophet Elijah, showcasing the miraculous power of God over life and death. Following Elijah's fervent prayer and outstretched posture over the deceased son of the widow of Zarephath, this verse records the dramatic restoration of the child's life: "And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived."

Context

This powerful event occurs during a severe famine that God had sent upon Israel as judgment for the widespread idolatry promoted by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah, having been miraculously sustained by ravens and then by the widow of Zarephath and her unfailing flour and oil, was dwelling in her home. When her only son fell ill and died, the distraught mother confronted Elijah, believing his presence brought her sin to remembrance and caused her grief. Elijah, deeply moved, took the child, carried him to his room, and cried out to the Lord, pleading for the child's life (see 1 Kings 17:21).

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Life and Death: This miracle unequivocally demonstrates God's unique authority over creation and the very breath of life. It is the first recorded instance in the Bible where a prophet raises someone from the dead, foreshadowing later resurrections.
  • The Efficacy of Earnest Prayer: Elijah's persistent and heartfelt prayer to the Lord is directly credited with the child's revival. This highlights the power of intercession and God's readiness to respond to the cries of His faithful servants, as also emphasized in James 5:16-18.
  • God's Compassion and Faithfulness: Despite the widespread apostasy in Israel, God shows immense compassion for the distress of an individual, even a foreign widow, and for His prophet. He proves faithful to His word and His servant.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "soul" (Hebrew: nephesh) coming "into him again." Nephesh in this context refers to the life force, breath, or the very being of the person. Its return signifies the restoration of life, indicating that death was not merely unconsciousness but the departure of this vital element. The word "revived" comes from the Hebrew chayah, meaning "to live," "to be alive," or "to be restored to life," clearly indicating a return from actual death.

Related Scriptures

This miracle serves as a powerful precursor to other resurrections in biblical history:

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God Hears Prayer: Even in seemingly hopeless situations, God is attentive to the prayers of His people.
  • God's Power is Limitless: No situation is too dire for God to intervene. He is the Lord of life and death.
  • Faith in Desperate Times: The story encourages us to trust God's sovereignty and compassion, even when faced with loss or seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The resurrection of the widow's son served to confirm Elijah's prophetic word and to strengthen the faith of the widow, revealing God's active involvement in the lives of individuals.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 11:11

    And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

  • Hebrews 11:35

    Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

  • Romans 14:9

    For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

  • 1 Samuel 2:6

    The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

  • John 11:43

    And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

  • John 5:28

    Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
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