King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:25 Mean?

1 Kings 18:25 in the King James Version says “And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; a... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 18:25 · KJV


Context

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.

26

And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. hear: or, answer answered: or, heard leaped: or, leaped up and down at the altar

27

And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud : for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. aloud: Heb. with a great voice he is talking: or, he meditateth is pursuing: Heb. hath a pursuit


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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. 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 · 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵֽלִיָּ֜הוּ2 of 19

And Elijah

H452

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

לִנְבִיאֵ֣י3 of 19

unto the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַבַּ֗עַל4 of 19

of Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

בַּֽחֲר֨וּ5 of 19

Choose

H977

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

לָכֶ֜ם6 of 19
H0
הַפָּ֤ר7 of 19

bullock

H6499

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

הָֽאֶחָד֙8 of 19

you one

H259

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

וַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ9 of 19

for yourselves and dress

H6213

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

רִֽאשֹׁנָ֔ה10 of 19

it first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

כִּ֥י11 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתֶּ֖ם12 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הָֽרַבִּ֑ים13 of 19

for ye are many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְקִרְאוּ֙14 of 19

and call

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בְּשֵׁ֣ם15 of 19

on the ~

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם16 of 19

of your gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְאֵ֖שׁ17 of 19

no fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

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

תָשִֽׂימוּ׃19 of 19

but put

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 18:25 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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