King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:33 Mean?

1 Kings 18:33 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 18:33 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.

35

And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. ran: Heb. went

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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.

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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 · 19 words
וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ1 of 19

“And he put”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

הָֽעֵצִ֑ים3 of 19

“and on the wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וַיְנַתַּח֙4 of 19

“and cut”

H5408

to dismember

אֶת5 of 19
H853

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

הַפָּ֔ר6 of 19

“the bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

וַיָּ֖שֶׂם7 of 19

“in pieces and laid”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַל8 of 19
H5921

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

הָֽעֵצִ֑ים9 of 19

“and on the wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר10 of 19

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִלְא֨וּ11 of 19

“Fill”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אַרְבָּעָ֤ה12 of 19

“four”

H702

four

כַדִּים֙13 of 19

“barrels”

H3537

properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes

מַ֔יִם14 of 19

“with water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְיִֽצְק֥וּ15 of 19

“and pour”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

עַל16 of 19
H5921

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

הָֽעֹלָ֖ה17 of 19

“it on the burnt sacrifice”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְעַל18 of 19
H5921

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

הָֽעֵצִ֑ים19 of 19

“and on the wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

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 18:33 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 18:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 22:9Leviticus 1:6-8Judges 6:20John 19:33-34Daniel 3:19Daniel 3:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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