King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:27 Mean?

1 Kings 18:27 in the King James Version says “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 · KJV

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

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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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. 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 · 24 words
וַיְהִ֨י1 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַֽצָּהֳרַ֜יִם2 of 24

“And it came to pass at noon”

H6672

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

וַיְהַתֵּ֧ל3 of 24

“mocked”

H2048

to deride; by implication, to cheat

בָּהֶ֣ם4 of 24
H0
אֵֽלִיָּ֗הוּ5 of 24

“that Elijah”

H452

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

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙6 of 24

“them and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

קִרְא֤וּ7 of 24

“Cry”

H7121

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

בְקוֹל8 of 24
H6963

a voice or sound

גָּדוֹל֙9 of 24

“aloud”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כִּֽי10 of 24
H3588

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

אֱלֹהִ֣ים11 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

ה֔וּא12 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

כִּ֣י13 of 24
H3588

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

שִׂ֧יחַ14 of 24

“either he is talking”

H7879

a contemplation; by implication, an utterance

וְכִי15 of 24
H3588

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

שִׂ֛יג16 of 24

“or he is pursuing”

H7873

a withdrawal (into a private place)

ל֖וֹ17 of 24
H0
וְכִי18 of 24
H3588

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

דֶ֣רֶךְ19 of 24

“or he is in a journey”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

ל֑וֹ20 of 24
H0
אוּלַ֛י21 of 24

“or peradventure”

H194

if not; hence perhaps

יָשֵׁ֥ן22 of 24

“he sleepeth”

H3463

sleepy

ה֖וּא23 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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