1 Kings 17:10
New International Version
So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?”

New Living Translation
So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?”

English Standard Version
So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.”

Berean Standard Bible
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.”

King James Bible
So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

New King James Version
So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.”

New American Standard Bible
So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the entrance of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.”

NASB 1995
So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”

NASB 1977
So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”

Amplified Bible
So he set out and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks [for firewood]. He called out to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a jar, so that I may drink.”

Christian Standard Bible
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow woman gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.”

American Standard Version
So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

Contemporary English Version
When Elijah came near the town gate of Zarephath, he saw a widow gathering sticks for a fire. "Would you please bring me a cup of water?" he asked.

English Revised Version
So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow woman was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He got up and went to Zarephath. As he came to the town's entrance, a widow was gathering wood. He called to her, "Please bring me a drink of water."

Good News Translation
So Elijah went to Zarephath, and as he came to the town gate, he saw a widow gathering firewood. "Please bring me a drink of water," he said to her.

International Standard Version
So he got up and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance to the city, a widow was there gathering sticks. So he asked her, "Please, may I have some water in a cup so I can have a drink."

Majority Standard Bible
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.”

NET Bible
So he got up and went to Zarephath. When he went through the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. He called out to her, "Please give me a cup of water, so I can take a drink."

New Heart English Bible
So he got up and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, look, a widow was there gathering wood. And he called to her, and said, "Please bring me a little water in a pitcher, that I may drink."

Webster's Bible Translation
So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

World English Bible
So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he rises, and goes to Zarephath, and comes to the opening of the city, and behold, there [is] a widow woman gathering sticks, and he calls to her and says, “Please bring a little water to me in a vessel, and I drink.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he riseth, and goeth to Zarephath, and cometh in unto the opening of the city, and lo there, a widow woman gathering sticks, and he calleth unto her, and saith, 'Bring, I pray thee, to me, a little water in a vessel, and I drink.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will rise and go to Zarephath, and will come to the entrance of the city, and behold there a widow woman gathering wood: and he will call to her, and say, Take now to me a little water in a vessel, and I will drink.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He rose up and went away to Zarephath. And when he had arrived at the gate of the city, he saw the widowed woman collecting wood, and he called to her. And he said to her, “Give me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.”

New American Bible
He arose and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called out to her, “Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.”

New Revised Standard Version
So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he arose, he went to Tsarpath and he went into the gate of the city and he saw there a widow woman piling up wood, and he called her and said to her: “Bring me a little water in a vessel and I shall drink.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her, and said: 'Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he arose and went to Sarepta, and came to the gate of the city: and, behold, a widow-woman was there gathering sticks; and Eliu cried after her, and said to her, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Widow of Zarephath
9“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” 11And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”…

Cross References
Luke 4:25-26
But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land. / Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon.

James 5:17-18
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.

Matthew 10:41-42
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. / And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

Hebrews 11:35
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

Mark 9:41
Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

2 Corinthians 9:8-9
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. / As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Genesis 18:4-5
Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. / And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”

Genesis 21:14-19
Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. / When the water in the skin was gone, she left the boy under one of the bushes. / Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she said, “I cannot bear to watch the boy die!” And as she sat nearby, she lifted up her voice and wept. ...

Exodus 2:15-22
When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. / Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. / And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. ...

2 Kings 4:8-10
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

2 Kings 4:32-37
When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. / So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. ...


Treasury of Scripture

So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray you, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

Fetch m

Genesis 21:15
And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

Genesis 24:17
And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

John 4:7
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

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City Crying Door Drink Fetch Gate Gathering Getting Jar Little Opening Please Riseth Sticks Together Vessel Water Widow Zarephath Zar'ephath
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1 Kings 17
1. Elijah, having prophesied against Ahab,
3. is sent to Cherith where the ravens feed him.
8. He is sent to the widow of Zarephath
17. He raises the widow's son
24. The woman believes him














So he got up and went to Zarephath
The phrase "So he got up" indicates Elijah's immediate obedience to God's command. In Hebrew, the verb used here conveys a sense of readiness and willingness to act. Elijah's journey to Zarephath, a Phoenician city outside of Israel, underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His provision beyond the borders of Israel. Zarephath, meaning "smelting place," symbolizes a place of refining, both for Elijah and the widow he is about to meet. This journey reflects the theme of faith and trust in God's provision, even in foreign lands.

When he arrived at the gate of the city
The "gate of the city" was a place of social and economic activity in ancient times. It was where elders met, judgments were made, and travelers entered. Elijah's arrival at the gate signifies a divine appointment orchestrated by God. The gate represents a threshold, a place of transition where God's plans begin to unfold. This setting highlights the intersection of divine providence and human need.

behold, a widow was there gathering sticks
The word "behold" draws attention to the unexpected and significant encounter. Widows in ancient Israel were often among the most vulnerable, lacking a husband's protection and provision. Her gathering sticks indicates her dire poverty and the scarcity of resources. This scene sets the stage for God's miraculous provision, emphasizing His care for the marginalized and His ability to use the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes.

And Elijah called to her and said
Elijah's calling to the widow demonstrates his role as God's prophet, acting on divine instruction. His approach to the widow is direct and purposeful, reflecting the urgency of God's mission. This interaction highlights the importance of obedience and the willingness to engage with those whom God places in our path.

'Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.'
The request for "a little water in a cup" seems simple, yet it is profound in its context. Water, a basic necessity, was scarce during the drought, making this request significant. Elijah's polite request, using "please," shows respect and humility, even in his need. This moment foreshadows the greater miracle to come, as God uses this small act of hospitality to demonstrate His abundant provision. The phrase "that I may drink" underscores the humanity of Elijah, reminding us that even God's prophets have needs, and it is through these needs that God often reveals His glory.

Verse 10. - So he arose and went to Zarephath [It does not follow that his route lay over the "White Promontory," or Ladder of Tyre, the way our Lord took when He "departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon" (Matthew 15:21). If his place of concealment was anywhere near 'Abara, or Bethshean, it is probable he would keep east of the Jordan, as far as Banias or Dan, where the river is fordable, and whence a road leads direct to Sidon. He would thus avoid Tyro]. And when he came to the gate of the city [the ruins of Surafend are still very considerable (see Thomson,"Land and Book," 1:235) and prove it to have been a place of importance, a town with gates and walls. "Gate," however, is used somewhat loosely in the O.T. - of the entrance to a village, or even of the place of concourse and of judgment], behold, the [Heb. a. He did not yet know that this was the widow to whom he was sent. Her replies to his requests first informed him that this was the object of his search] widow woman was there [Heb. behold there, a widow woman] gathering of sticks [This was not a promising sign. It only proved her poverty]: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel [Heb. the vessel. Bahr understands the drinking-cup that Elijah had brought with him from the Wady Cherith; but surely it is extremely improbable that he would carry either cup or bottle with him. "The vessel" probably imports the ordinary vessel used for the purpose - the "potter's earthen bottle" Jeremiah 19:1). That this was used for fetching water, we know from Isaiah 30:14], that I may drink.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Elijah got up
וַיָּ֣קָם ׀ (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and went
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to Zarephath.
צָרְפַ֗תָה (ṣā·rə·p̄a·ṯāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6886: Zarephath -- 'smelting place', a city South of Sidon

When he arrived
וַיָּבֹא֙ (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

at
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the city
הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

gate,
פֶּ֣תַח (pe·ṯaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

there
שָׁ֛ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

was a widow
אַלְמָנָ֖ה (’al·mā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 490: A widow, a desolate place

gathering
מְקֹשֶׁ֣שֶׁת (mə·qō·še·šeṯ)
Verb - Piel - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7197: To forage for, straw, stubble, wood, to assemble

sticks.
עֵצִ֑ים (‘ê·ṣîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

Elijah called
וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙ (’ê·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

her and said,
וַיֹּאמַ֔ר (way·yō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Please
נָ֨א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

bring
קְחִי־ (qə·ḥî-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

me
לִ֧י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

a little
מְעַט־ (mə·‘aṭ-)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

water
מַ֛יִם (ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

in a cup,
בַּכְּלִ֖י (bak·kə·lî)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

so that I may drink.”
וְאֶשְׁתֶּֽה׃ (wə·’eš·teh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe


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OT History: 1 Kings 17:10 So he arose and went to Zarephath (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 17:9
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