Arise, go to Zarephath: Regarding the function of the verbs Arise and “arose” (verse 10), see the comments on 1 Kgs 2.40. The meaning of the Hebrew is expressed correctly in New Revised Standard Version and Revised English Bible as “Go now to Zarephath” (similarly Good News Translation).

For Zarephath see the introductory comments on this section.

Which belongs to Sidon is literally “which is of Sidon.” The meaning seems to be “in the region around Sidon” or “near the city of Sidon.”

Dwell there: There is no definite indication of the time period during which Elijah was expected to remain in Zarephath, but it would certainly be longer than a few hours. In this context the verb dwell seems to imply spending at least several nights and probably longer. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “stay there,” and New Revised Standard Version and Contemporary English Version translate “live there.”

The Hebrew focusing particle rendered Behold draws attention to the LORD’s provision for the needs of the prophet through the widow living in Zarephath.

As in verse 4, the phrase to feed you may be better rendered by an expression like “to provide for you” (Moffatt, New American Bible) or “to give you food” (New Jerusalem Bible).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .