King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:27 Mean?

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... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 18:27 · King James Version

Context

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

29

And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. offering: Heb. ascending that regarded: Heb. attention

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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. 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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיְהִ֨י
1 of 24
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַֽצָּהֳרַ֜יִם
2 of 24

“And it came to pass at noon”

H6672
a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon
וַיְהַתֵּ֧ל
3 of 24

“mocked”

H2048
to deride; by implication, to cheat
בָּהֶ֣ם
4 of 24
H0
אֵֽלִיָּ֗הוּ
5 of 24

“that Elijah”

H452
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
6 of 24

“them and said”

H559
to say (used with great latitude)
קִרְא֤וּ
7 of 24

“Cry”

H7121
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְקוֹל
8 of 24
H6963
a voice or sound
גָּדוֹל֙
9 of 24

“aloud”

H1419
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
כִּֽי
10 of 24
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
11 of 24

“for he is a god”

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
ה֔וּא
12 of 24
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כִּ֣י
13 of 24
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שִׂ֧יחַ
14 of 24

“either he is talking”

H7879
a contemplation; by implication, an utterance
וְכִי
15 of 24
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שִׂ֛יג
16 of 24

“or he is pursuing”

H7873
a withdrawal (into a private place)
ל֖וֹ
17 of 24
H0
וְכִי
18 of 24
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
דֶ֣רֶךְ
19 of 24

“or he is in a journey”

H1870
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
ל֑וֹ
20 of 24
H0
אוּלַ֛י
21 of 24

“or peradventure”

H194
if not; hence perhaps
יָשֵׁ֥ן
22 of 24

“he sleepeth”

H3463
sleepy
ה֖וּא
23 of 24
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְיִקָֽץ׃
24 of 24

“and must be awaked”

H3364
to awake (intransitive)

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 18:27 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 18:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 41:23Psalms 78:65-66Amos 4:4-5Mark 4:38-39Psalms 121:41 Kings 22:15

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