King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:30 Mean?

1 Kings 18:30 in the King James Version says “And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 18:30 · KJV


Context

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.

31

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

32

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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. 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 · 15 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 15

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵֽלִיָּ֤הוּ2 of 15

And Elijah

H452

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

לְכָל3 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֖ם4 of 15

unto all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּגְּשׁ֥וּ5 of 15

Come near

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֵלַ֔י6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיִּגְּשׁ֥וּ7 of 15

Come near

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

כָל8 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֖ם9 of 15

unto all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֵלָ֑יו10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיְרַפֵּ֛א11 of 15

unto him And he repaired

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֥ח13 of 15

the altar

H4196

an altar

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 15

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֶֽהָרֽוּס׃15 of 15

that was broken down

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy


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 18:30 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 18:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study