King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:28 Mean?

1 Kings 18:28 in the King James Version says “And they cried aloud , and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon the...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 18:28 · KJV

Context

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

30

And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

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.

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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 · 11 words
וַֽיִּקְרְאוּ֙1 of 11

“And they cried”

H7121

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

בְּק֣וֹל2 of 11

“aloud”

H6963

a voice or sound

גָּד֔וֹל3 of 11
H1419

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

וַיִּתְגֹּֽדְדוּ֙4 of 11

“and cut”

H1413

to crowd; also to gash (as if by pressing into)

כְּמִשְׁפָּטָ֔ם5 of 11

“themselves after their manner”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

בַּֽחֲרָב֖וֹת6 of 11

“with knives”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וּבָֽרְמָחִ֑ים7 of 11

“and lancets”

H7420

a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point

עַד8 of 11
H5704

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

שְׁפָךְ9 of 11

“gushed out”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

דָּ֖ם10 of 11

“till the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃11 of 11
H5921

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

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 18:28 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 18:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:28Deuteronomy 14:1Mark 5:5Micah 6:7Mark 9:22

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