King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:23 Mean?

1 Kings 18:23 in the King James Version says “Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay i... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

1 Kings 18:23 · King James Version


Context

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

25

And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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:

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 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. 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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְנָֽתַתִּי֙1 of 26

Let them therefore give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֜נוּ2 of 26
H0
שְׁנַ֣יִם3 of 26

us two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַפָּ֣ר4 of 26

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

וְיִבְחֲר֣וּ5 of 26

and let them choose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לָהֶם֩6 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַפָּ֣ר7 of 26

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

הָֽאֶחָ֗ד8 of 26

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וִֽינַתְּחֻ֗הוּ9 of 26

for themselves and cut it in pieces

H5408

to dismember

אָשִֽׂים׃10 of 26

and lay

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַל11 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָ֣עֵצִ֔ים12 of 26

it on wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְאֵ֖שׁ13 of 26

no fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֣א14 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָשִֽׂים׃15 of 26

and lay

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

וַֽאֲנִ֞י16 of 26
H589

i

אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֣ה׀17 of 26

under and I will dress

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת18 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפָּ֣ר19 of 26

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

הָֽאֶחָ֗ד20 of 26

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְנָֽתַתִּי֙21 of 26

Let them therefore give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל22 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָ֣עֵצִ֔ים23 of 26

it on wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְאֵ֖שׁ24 of 26

no fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֥א25 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָשִֽׂים׃26 of 26

and lay

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)


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 18:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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