King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 18:38 Mean?

1 Kings 18:38 in the King James Version says “Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.”

1 Kings 18:38 · KJV

Context

36

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

37

Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

38

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39

And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

40

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. Take: or, Apprehend

Read 1 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

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.

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 · 17 words
וַתִּפֹּ֣ל1 of 17

“fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אֵשׁ2 of 17

“Then the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַתֹּ֤אכַל4 of 17

“and consumed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת5 of 17
H853

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

הָֽעֹלָה֙6 of 17

“the burnt sacrifice”

H5930

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

וְאֶת7 of 17
H853

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

הָֽעֵצִ֔ים8 of 17

“and the wood”

H6086

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

וְאֶת9 of 17
H853

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

הָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים10 of 17

“and the stones”

H68

a stone

וְאֶת11 of 17
H853

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

הֶֽעָפָ֑ר12 of 17

“and the dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

וְאֶת13 of 17
H853

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

הַמַּ֥יִם14 of 17

“the water”

H4325

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

אֲשֶׁר15 of 17
H834

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

בַּתְּעָלָ֖ה16 of 17

“that was in the trench”

H8585

a bandage or plaster (as placed upon a wound)

לִחֵֽכָה׃17 of 17

“and licked up”

H3897

to lick

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 18:38 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 18:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 9:241 Chronicles 21:262 Chronicles 7:1Judges 6:211 Kings 18:242 Kings 1:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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