1 Kings 18:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ahab summons Obadiah, the steward over his household, a man who deeply revered the LORD.
What Does 1 Kings 18:3 Mean?
The narrative pauses to introduce Obadiah, the official who managed the king's palace and estates. The aside is striking: here is a faithful worshipper of the LORD serving at the very center of an apostate court.
God keeps His people in surprising places. Even in a household given over to Baal, He has a servant who fears Him greatly. Faithfulness is not always lived out in the wilderness with Elijah; sometimes it is hidden inside the palace, holding quietly to God where it would be easier to bend. The Lord sees and uses such hidden loyalty.
1 Kings 18:3 in the Original Language
yare (יָרֵא), 'feared' -- this reverent fear is not terror but awe and devotion, the heart that honors God above all.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 18:3
What does 1 Kings 18:3 mean?
Ahab summons Obadiah, the steward over his household, a man who deeply revered the LORD.