King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:31 Mean?

1 Kings 18:31 in the King James Version says “And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LOR...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

1 Kings 18:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 18 words
וַיִּקַּ֣ח1 of 18

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵֽלִיָּ֗הוּ2 of 18

“And Elijah”

H452

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

שְׁתֵּ֤ים3 of 18

“twelve”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵה֙4 of 18
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֲבָנִ֔ים5 of 18

“stones”

H68

a stone

כְּמִסְפַּ֖ר6 of 18

“according to the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שִׁבְטֵ֣י7 of 18

“of the tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

בְנֵֽי8 of 18

“of the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יַעֲקֹ֑ב9 of 18

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֲשֶׁר֩10 of 18
H834

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

הָיָ֨ה11 of 18
H1961

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

דְבַר12 of 18

“unto whom the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֤ה13 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלָיו֙14 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר15 of 18

“came saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל16 of 18

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה17 of 18
H1961

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

שְׁמֶֽךָ׃18 of 18

“shall be thy ~”

H8034

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

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 18:31 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 18:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 17:34Genesis 32:28Genesis 35:10Joshua 4:20Joshua 4:3-4Exodus 24:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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