1 Kings 17:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 17:22 records the dramatic climax of Elijah's intercession for the deceased son of the widow of Zarephath, powerfully demonstrating God's immediate and miraculous response to His prophet's fervent prayer. This pivotal moment showcases the Lord's absolute sovereignty over life and death, as the child's soul returns to him, restoring him to full vitality and validating Elijah's prophetic ministry in a time of widespread apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of a deeply personal and profound narrative within Elijah's early ministry. Following God's command, Elijah had sought refuge with the widow of Zarephath during a severe famine, where God miraculously sustained them through unfailing flour and oil (see [1 Kings 17:8-16](/1-kings/17-8 "1 Kings 17:8-16 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath")). The sudden death of the widow's only son plunges her into despair, leading her to confront Elijah with a cry of perceived judgment ([1 Kings 17:18](/1-kings/17-18 "1 Kings 17:18 - Widow's Accusation")). Elijah, taking the child to his room, stretches himself over the boy three times and cries out to the Lord with intense earnestness ([1 Kings 17:19-21](/1-kings/17-19 "1 Kings 17:19-21 - Elijah's Prayer for the Boy")). Verse 22 is the divine answer, immediately preceding the widow's declaration of faith and recognition of Elijah as a true prophet of God ([1 Kings 17:24](/1-kings/17-24 "1 Kings 17:24 - Widow's Confession of Faith")). This miracle solidifies Elijah's credibility and God's power in a land steeped in Baal worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Kings 17 unfold during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, a period marked by unprecedented idolatry and a severe drought sent by God as judgment (see [1 Kings 17:1](/1-kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Declares Drought")). The worship of Baal, a Canaanite storm and fertility god, was aggressively promoted by the royal house, directly challenging the sovereignty of Yahweh. In this context, the famine was a direct refutation of Baal's supposed power over rain and life. The widow of Zarephath, a Sidonian, was a Gentile, highlighting God's compassion extending beyond Israel's borders, even to those who were not part of the covenant people. Her reliance on Elijah, a prophet of Yahweh, and God's miraculous provision for her underscored the impotence of Baal and the living reality of the God of Israel. The act of raising the dead was an extraordinary demonstration of divine power, directly countering the death-dealing nature of idolatry and affirming Yahweh as the sole source of life.

* **Key Themes:** The central themes illuminated by this verse include **Divine Sovereignty Over Life and Death**, unequivocally demonstrating that only Yahweh holds the power to give and restore life. This miracle is the first recorded instance of a prophet raising someone from the dead in the Old Testament, setting a precedent for future divine interventions. Another prominent theme is the **Efficacy of Earnest Prayer**, as Elijah's specific, heartfelt, and persistent intercession is directly attributed to the child's revival, underscoring the power of a righteous person's prayer (as later affirmed in [James 5:16-18](/james/5-16 "James 5:16-18 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person")). Finally, the narrative highlights **God's Compassion and Faithfulness**, not only to His prophet Elijah but also to a distressed foreign widow and her son, proving His attentiveness to individual suffering even amidst national apostasy. This act of mercy also serves to confirm Elijah's prophetic word and strengthen the faith of the widow, revealing God's active involvement in the lives of individuals who turn to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb signifies not merely auditory perception but also attentive listening that leads to a response or action. When applied to God, it implies His active engagement with human pleas and His readiness to intervene. In this context, "the LORD heard" emphasizes God's direct and immediate reception of Elijah's specific and fervent prayer, confirming that the miracle was a direct divine answer, not a random occurrence or a magical incantation.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** In biblical Hebrew, _nephesh_ is a multifaceted term that can refer to breath, life, living being, person, or the seat of emotions and desires. Here, its return signifies the restoration of the vital life principle that had departed from the body. It indicates that the child was truly dead, not merely unconscious, and that life was unequivocally restored by divine power. The departure and return of the _nephesh_ underscores the biblical understanding of death as the cessation of the life force and resurrection as its re-entry, by God's will.
* **Revived (Hebrew, _chayah'_):** This verb means "to live," "to be alive," "to restore to life," or "to recover." Its use here emphatically declares that the child was brought back from a state of death to full, conscious life. It is a powerful affirmation of the miracle's reality and completeness, leaving no doubt that a genuine resurrection occurred. The child was not merely resuscitated but was made fully alive again.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the causal link between Elijah's prayer and the subsequent miracle. It emphasizes God's attentiveness and responsiveness to His prophet's earnest intercession. The "voice of Elijah" refers to his specific and passionate plea for the child's life, as recorded in [1 Kings 17:21](/1-kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Prayer"). This highlights the efficacy of prayer and God's willingness to act in accordance with the petitions of His faithful servants.
* **"and the soul of the child came into him again,":** This clause describes the core of the miracle—the reanimation of the deceased boy. The "soul" (_nephesh_), representing the life force or vital essence, returning to the child's body signifies a true resurrection from death. This is a direct reversal of the state of death, where the _nephesh_ is understood to have departed. It underscores God's unique authority over life and death, as He alone can restore what has been lost.
* **"and he revived.":** This final, concise statement confirms the complete restoration of the child to life. "Revived" (_chayah_) leaves no ambiguity about the outcome: the child was fully alive, breathing, and conscious once more. This triumphant conclusion validates Elijah's ministry, demonstrates God's power, and brings immense relief and confirmation of faith to the grieving mother. It is a definitive declaration of a successful divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 17:22 employs several potent literary devices. **Narrative Climax** is evident as this verse provides the dramatic resolution to the preceding tension of the child's death and Elijah's desperate prayer. It is the peak of the story arc concerning the widow and her son. **Divine Intervention** is the overarching theme, explicitly stated by "the LORD heard," highlighting God's direct and personal involvement in human affairs. The concise, declarative statements create a sense of **Clarity and Certainty**, leaving no room for doubt about the miraculous nature of the event. Furthermore, the event serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing towards future resurrections in biblical history, particularly those performed by Elisha and ultimately by Jesus Christ, establishing a pattern of God's power over death. The **Repetition** of the idea of life's return (soul coming in, child revived) reinforces the completeness and reality of the miracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The resurrection of the widow's son in 1 Kings 17:22 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, a power uniquely belonging to the Creator. It demonstrates that God is not bound by natural processes or human limitations, and that His compassion extends even to those outside the covenant community when they are touched by His grace. This miracle serves as a powerful confirmation of Elijah's prophetic authority and the truth of Yahweh's living power in contrast to the impotent idols of Baal. It underscores the efficacy of intercessory prayer, revealing God's readiness to respond to the earnest cries of His faithful servants, even in seemingly hopeless situations.

* [2 Kings 4:32-37](/2-kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")
* [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")
* [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the widow's son being raised from the dead in 1 Kings 17:22 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical application for believers today. It serves as an enduring testament to the limitless power of God, reminding us that no situation, however dire or seemingly irreversible, is beyond His capacity to intervene. When we face circumstances that appear to be "dead ends"—whether it's a diagnosis, a broken relationship, a financial crisis, or a spiritual drought—this passage calls us to remember that God is the Lord of life and resurrection. It also powerfully affirms the value and efficacy of fervent, persistent prayer. Elijah's example teaches us to bring our deepest burdens and most desperate pleas directly to God, trusting that He hears and responds according to His perfect will and timing. This story encourages us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the immediate evidence of our senses and rests in the sovereign, compassionate, and life-giving power of God, knowing that He is attentive to the cries of His people and capable of bringing life out of death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to believe that God is the Lord of life and resurrection?**
* **How does Elijah's persistent prayer encourage you to pray more earnestly for seemingly impossible situations?**
* **What does this miracle teach you about God's compassion, even for those who might be considered outsiders?**
* **How can you apply the truth of God's limitless power to your current challenges or anxieties?**

### FAQ
**Was this the first recorded resurrection in the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, 1 Kings 17:22 records the first instance in the biblical narrative where a person is raised from the dead by a prophet's intercession. While there are instances of individuals being near death and recovering (e.g., [Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - God Restores Job's Fortunes")), this is the first clear account of someone who had died being brought back to life. This event sets a significant precedent for later resurrections performed by Elisha (e.g., [2 Kings 4:32-37](/2-kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")) and, most significantly, by Jesus Christ Himself (e.g., [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous resurrection of the widow's son by Elijah in 1 Kings 17:22 serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate authority over life and death embodied in Jesus Christ. While Elijah, a prophet, acted as an instrument through whom God brought life, Jesus declares Himself to be the very source of life, stating, "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")). The Old Testament resurrections, like this one, were temporary, with the individuals eventually dying again. However, Christ's own resurrection from the dead was a permanent triumph over sin and death, guaranteeing eternal life for all who believe in Him ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and Our New Life")). The compassion shown by God through Elijah for the grieving widow finds its ultimate expression in Jesus, who not only raised the widow of Nain's son ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")) and Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:35-43](/mark/5-35 "Mark 5:35-43 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")) but also wept with Mary and Martha before raising Lazarus ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")). Thus, 1 Kings 17:22 points us to the greater reality of Christ, who truly holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")) and offers not just a return to earthly life, but eternal life in Him.

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

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,