אֲכִילָה (a.khi.lah)

a.khi.lah

food

H0396 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-F

Word Overview

The noun a.khi.lah refers simply to food or a meal, derived from the root meaning "to eat." In the Hebrew Bible, it is a straightforward term for sustenance, describing the physical act of eating or the substance consumed.

This word appears only once in Scripture, in 1 Kings 19:8. The context describes Elijah’s journey after fleeing Jezebel; he eats this food and travels for forty days and nights to Horeb. The term highlights the basic nourishment required for his physical endurance during a long, arduous trek.

Its singular usage underscores its role as a narrative detail rather than a theological concept. It marks the moment of physical restoration before Elijah encounters God, serving as a concrete reminder of human need for strength in difficult times.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word a.khi.lah simply means food or a meal. It appears only once in the Bible, in 1 Kings 19:8. This verse describes Elijah eating after a long journey of fear and exhaustion. He eats the food provided by an angel and travels forty days to Mount Horeb. The text notes he went in the strength of that food.

This single occurrence reminds us that God cares about our physical needs. Even great prophets needed nourishment to keep going. When we feel weak or overwhelmed, taking time to eat and rest is not a failure of faith. It is part of how God sustains us for the journey ahead.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ food1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

הָ/אֲכִילָ֣ה1×

Key Verses

I Kings 19:8
He arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, God’s Mountain.

This verse shows the word describing the physical sustenance that enabled Elijah to endure a forty-day journey to God's mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a.khi.lah mean?

It is a Hebrew noun meaning food or a meal. It comes from the root word for eating and refers to the physical substance consumed for nourishment.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in 1 Kings 19:8. The context involves Elijah eating after fleeing from Jezebel and then traveling to Mount Horeb.

Is there a spiritual meaning behind this word?

While the word itself just means physical food, its single use in Scripture highlights how God provides strength for difficult journeys. It reminds us that our physical needs are part of our spiritual walk.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Kings 1 verse

I Kings 19:8

He arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, God’s Mountain.