King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:22 Mean?

1 Kings 18:22 in the King James Version says “Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.”

1 Kings 18:22 · KJV

Context

20

So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.

21

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. opinions: or, thoughts

22

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

23

Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

24

And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. It is: Heb. The word is good

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the prophets of baal, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Canaanite fertility religion promised agricultural prosperity through ritual practices honoring Baal (storm god) and Asherah (mother goddess), posing constant temptation to syncretism. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 15

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵֽלִיָּ֙הוּ֙2 of 15

“Elijah”

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֔ם4 of 15

“unto the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲנִ֞י5 of 15
H589

i

נוֹתַ֧רְתִּי6 of 15

“I even I only remain”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

וּנְבִיאֵ֣י7 of 15

“a prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לַֽיהוָ֖ה8 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְבַדִּ֑י9 of 15
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וּנְבִיאֵ֣י10 of 15

“a prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַבַּ֔עַל11 of 15

“but Baal's”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

אַרְבַּע12 of 15

“are four”

H702

four

מֵא֥וֹת13 of 15

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים14 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

אִֽישׁ׃15 of 15

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 18:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 18:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 19:101 Kings 19:141 Kings 22:6-81 Kings 18:19-202 Peter 2:1-31 Kings 20:13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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