King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:26 Mean?

1 Kings 18:26 in the King James Version says “And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even un...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 18:26 · KJV

Context

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

28

And they cried aloud , and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. the blood: Heb. poured out blood upon them

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).

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 · 25 words
וַ֠יִּקְחוּ1 of 25

“And they took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 25
H853

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

הַפָּ֨ר3 of 25

“the bullock”

H6499

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

אֲשֶׁר4 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֣ן5 of 25

“which was given”

H5414

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

לָהֶם֮6 of 25
H0
עָשָֽׂה׃7 of 25

“them and they dressed”

H6213

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

וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ8 of 25

“it and called”

H7121

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

בְשֵׁם9 of 25

“on the ~”

H8034

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

הַבַּ֣עַל10 of 25

“O Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

מֵֽהַבֹּ֨קֶר11 of 25

“from morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְעַד12 of 25
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַצָּֽהֳרַ֤יִם13 of 25

“even until noon”

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

לֵאמֹר֙14 of 25

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַבַּ֣עַל15 of 25

“O Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

עֹנֶ֑ה16 of 25

“hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וְאֵ֣ין17 of 25

“us But there was no”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ק֖וֹל18 of 25

“voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְאֵ֣ין19 of 25

“us But there was no”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֹנֶ֑ה20 of 25

“hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וַֽיְפַסְּח֔וּ21 of 25

“And they leaped”

H6452

to hop, i.e., (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance

עַל22 of 25
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ23 of 25

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

אֲשֶׁ֥ר24 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָֽׂה׃25 of 25

“them and they dressed”

H6213

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

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 18:26 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 18:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 10:51 Corinthians 12:21 Corinthians 8:4Matthew 6:7Zephaniah 1:9Psalms 135:15-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 18 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes