Old Testament
1 Kings 19:21
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Elisha went back, took a yoke of oxen, and slaughtered them. He cooked their meat using the equipment of the oxen as fuel. He gave the food to the people, and they ate. Then he got up, followed Elijah, and served him.
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And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.
What 1 Kings 19:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Elisha made a significant choice when he decided to follow Elijah. He returned to his farm, took a yoke of oxen, and slaughtered them. This act was not just a farewell; it symbolized his commitment to a new life. He used the oxen's equipment to cook the meat, sharing it with the people around him. This generous act showed his willingness to leave his past behind and embrace his future. After feeding the people, Elisha took the bold step of following Elijah, dedicating himself to serve as his apprentice. This moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Elisha, as he left everything familiar to pursue a higher calling. His actions remind us that sometimes, we must let go of our past to fully embrace new opportunities and responsibilities. Elisha's story encourages us to take decisive steps toward our dreams, even if it means making sacrifices along the way. His commitment to service and community is a powerful example of how we can impact those around us.
How to apply 1 Kings 19:21 to your life
Consider what you might need to let go of in order to pursue your dreams. Like Elisha, sometimes we must make sacrifices to follow our true calling. Reflect on how you can serve others while pursuing your goals. Your actions can inspire those around you to do the same. Embrace change and take bold steps forward in your life journey.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Elijah's story: Elijah Calls Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21)
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Elijah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying 1 Kings 19:21
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 19:21 mean?
1 Kings 19:21 describes Elisha's decisive commitment to follow Elijah as his mentor. By slaughtering his oxen and using their equipment to cook the meat, he symbolically severed ties with his past life, demonstrating his readiness to embrace a new calling.
What is the significance of Elisha's actions in 1 Kings 19:21?
Elisha's actions signify a complete commitment to his new path. By sharing the meat with the people, he not only bids farewell to his old life but also shows his willingness to serve his community as he embarks on his journey with Elijah.
What does the phrase 'ministered unto him' in 1 Kings 19:21 mean?
The phrase 'ministered unto him' indicates that Elisha dedicated himself to serving Elijah. This reflects his role as an apprentice, learning from Elijah while supporting him in his prophetic mission.
What can we learn from 1 Kings 19:21 about making sacrifices?
1 Kings 19:21 teaches that making sacrifices can be essential for pursuing our true calling. Elisha's choice to leave his farming life behind illustrates the importance of letting go of the past to embrace new opportunities.
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