1 Kings 17:24

KJV

And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou [art] a man of God, [and] that the word of the LORD in thy mouth [is] truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the woman {H802} said {H559} to Elijah {H452}, Now by this {H2088} I know {H3045} that thou art a man {H376} of God {H430}, and that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} in thy mouth {H6310} is truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The woman replied to Eliyahu, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of ADONAI that you speak is the truth."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.”

American Standard Version

And the woman said to Elijah, Now I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of Jehovah in thy mouth is truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 17:24 marks the climactic declaration of faith from the widow of Zarephath, confirming Elijah's divine commission and the absolute truthfulness of God's word spoken through him. Following the miraculous resurrection of her son, this verse encapsulates her profound realization that Elijah is truly a messenger of the Most High God, whose words are not merely human pronouncements but the infallible revelation of the Lord Himself, demonstrating His power over life and death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to a significant narrative segment within 1 Kings 17, which details Elijah's initial ministry during a severe famine. It follows his miraculous sustenance by ravens at the Wadi Cherith, and then his relocation to Zarephath, where he is sustained by a destitute Sidonian widow. The preceding verses recount the unfailing provision of flour and oil ([1 Kings 17:16](/1-kings/17-16 "1 Kings 17:16 - The Unfailing Jar and Cruse")) and, most dramatically, the death and subsequent resurrection of the widow's son through Elijah's fervent prayer ([1 Kings 17:17-23](/1-kings/17-17 "1 Kings 17:17-23 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")). Her declaration in verse 24 is the direct, emotional, and theological response to this ultimate display of Yahweh's power, validating Elijah's prophetic authority and the truth of his message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in Israel, a period marked by intense syncretism and the aggressive promotion of Baal worship, particularly by Jezebel, who was a Sidonian princess. Elijah, as Yahweh's prophet, stood in stark opposition to this idolatry, famously declaring a severe drought as a judgment from God ([1 Kings 17:1](/1-kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Predicts Drought")). Zarephath, located in Sidonian territory, was outside Israel, highlighting God's sovereign reach beyond the covenant nation and His compassion for even Gentiles who would respond in faith. The concept of a "man of God" was a recognized title for prophets and divine messengers, whose words were expected to carry the authority and truth of the deity they represented. Resurrection, while rare, was understood as an ultimate demonstration of divine power over death, a realm traditionally associated with Baal in Canaanite mythology.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It underscores the **sovereignty and power of Yahweh** over life, death, and even the natural elements (through the drought and subsequent provision). It highlights the **divine validation of true prophecy**, demonstrating that Elijah is indeed a genuine "man of God" whose words are from Yahweh, in contrast to the false prophets of Baal. The narrative also explores the theme of **faith and obedience**, as the widow's initial act of hospitality and trust in God's provision for food ([1 Kings 17:15](/1-kings/17-15 "1 Kings 17:15 - The Widow's Obedience")) is now deepened and confirmed by an undeniable miracle. Her declaration signifies a profound shift from a nascent, perhaps uncertain, belief to a firm, experiential conviction in the truth of God's word, echoing principles found in passages like [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose") where God's word is guaranteed to achieve its purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _ʾîš ʾĕlōhîm'_):** This is a highly significant title in the Old Testament, used to describe prophets, judges, and other individuals specially chosen and empowered by God to carry out His will and speak His word. It signifies not merely a religious person, but one whose life and message are entirely consecrated to and derived from God. The widow's recognition of Elijah as an "ʾîš ʾĕlōhîm" indicates her understanding that he is a legitimate, divinely authorized representative of Yahweh, distinct from human religious figures or charlatans.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʾĕmet'_):** This word conveys concepts of firmness, reliability, faithfulness, and reality. When applied to God's word, it means that what God says is absolutely dependable, corresponds to reality, and will unfailingly come to pass. The widow's declaration that "the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth" means she now perceives Elijah's pronouncements not as mere human utterances, but as the utterly trustworthy and factual revelation of God Himself, proven by the resurrection of her son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the woman said to Elijah":** This introduces the widow's direct, personal, and profoundly significant response to the miracle she has just witnessed. Her previous interactions with Elijah, while demonstrating a measure of faith, were often marked by distress or questioning. Here, her words carry the weight of certainty.
* **"Now by this I know":** This phrase emphasizes a new, undeniable, and experiential understanding. Her knowledge is no longer based on mere reports or initial trust, but on a direct, irrefutable demonstration of divine power. The resurrection of her son served as the ultimate, tangible proof.
* **"that thou art a man of God":** This is her explicit acknowledgment of Elijah's authentic prophetic identity. The miracle has validated his claim and confirmed his divine commission in her eyes. She recognizes that his power and authority are not his own, but derived from Yahweh.
* **"and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth":** This is the ultimate theological declaration. It's not just Elijah's person that is validated, but the very message he speaks. The resurrection proves that God's word, as delivered by Elijah, is absolutely reliable, faithful, and effective, even to the point of reversing death. It underscores the power and veracity of divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Dramatic Irony** in the sense that the reader already knows Elijah is a man of God, but the widow's declaration marks her *realization* of this truth, making her statement a powerful moment of recognition. The **Repetition** of "man of God" and "word of the LORD" throughout Elijah's narratives emphasizes his unique role and the source of his authority. The entire narrative leading up to this verse functions as a **Theophany** (a manifestation of God), albeit an indirect one through Elijah's actions, culminating in the widow's verbal affirmation. The resurrection itself is a powerful **Symbol** of God's life-giving power and His ultimate victory over death, directly confirming the truth of His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal declaration by the widow of Zarephath resonates deeply with the broader biblical understanding of divine revelation and the nature of God's word. It establishes a crucial principle: true prophets are validated by the fulfillment of their words and the accompanying demonstrations of God's power. This act of resurrection, a unique and powerful miracle, serves as irrefutable proof that Yahweh is the living God, active in human affairs, and that His word, spoken through His chosen messenger, is absolute truth. This truth is not merely intellectual information but carries transformative, life-giving power, capable of reversing even death. The widow's faith moves from a pragmatic trust in provision to a profound conviction in the very character and reliability of God as revealed through His prophet.

* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - Distinguishing True from False Prophets")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The widow's declaration in 1 Kings 17:24 offers a profound model for our own journey of faith. Her "now by this I know" speaks to the transformative power of encountering God's truth in a tangible way. While we may not witness resurrections in our daily lives, God's word, the Bible, consistently proves itself true through its historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, and its transformative power in the lives of individuals. This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of God to an experiential knowledge of His faithfulness and the absolute reliability of His promises. It encourages us to trust that when God speaks, whether through Scripture or through the Holy Spirit's guidance, His word is truth and will accomplish its purpose. In moments of doubt, or when facing seemingly impossible circumstances, we are reminded that the God who raised the widow's son is the same God who holds all power and whose word is eternally true and effective. Our faith is not in a human messenger, but in the God who speaks through His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life are you waiting for God to speak into, and how might this verse encourage your trust in His word?**
* **In what ways have you experientially "known" the truth of God's word in your own life?**
* **How does the widow's declaration challenge you to deepen your conviction in the Bible as the infallible Word of God?**
* **What does it mean for you to live as if "the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth," both personally and in your witness to others?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Elijah to be a "man of God"?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (Hebrew: _ʾîš ʾĕlōhîm_) is a distinguished designation in the Old Testament, indicating someone who is specifically chosen, appointed, and empowered by Yahweh to serve as His representative and mouthpiece. It signifies a person in a special covenant relationship with God, whose life and message are consecrated to divine purposes. Such individuals often performed miracles, delivered prophetic messages, and acted as intermediaries between God and His people. In Elijah's case, it highlights his unique authority and the divine origin of his words and actions, distinguishing him from ordinary individuals or false prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic resurrection of the widow's son and her subsequent declaration in 1 Kings 17:24 foreshadows the ultimate "Man of God," Jesus Christ, and the supreme truth of His word. While Elijah raised one boy from death, Jesus repeatedly demonstrated His authority over death, not only raising others like Lazarus ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")) and Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:41-42](/mark/5-41 "Mark 5:41-42 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")), but ultimately conquering death Himself through His own resurrection ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection and New Life")). The widow's confession, "the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth," finds its fullest realization in Jesus, who is not merely a messenger of truth but the embodiment of truth itself ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Words of Jesus are Spirit and Life")), capable of imparting eternal life and bringing spiritual resurrection to those who believe ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word and Having Eternal Life")). Thus, the temporary restoration of life in Zarephath points to the eternal life offered through the word and work of Christ, the true and final "Man of God."

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

John 16:30

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

John 3:2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 2:11

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

1 John 2:21

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

John 11:42

And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said [it], that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 11:15

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

John 4:42

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard [him] ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.