King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 19:18 Mean?

1 Kings 19:18 in the King James Version says “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath no... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. I have: or, I will leave

1 Kings 19:18 · King James Version


Context

16

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. Elisha: Gr. Eliseus

17

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

18

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. I have: or, I will leave

19

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth : and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

20

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? Go: Heb. Go return


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah flees to horeb, 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.

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. Canaanite fertility religion promised agricultural prosperity through ritual practices honoring Baal (storm god) and Asherah (mother goddess), posing constant temptation to syncretism. 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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהִשְׁאַרְתִּ֥י1 of 16

Yet I have left

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל2 of 16

in Israel

H3478

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

שִׁבְעַ֣ת3 of 16

me seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֲלָפִ֑ים4 of 16

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

כָּל5 of 16
H3605

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

הַבִּרְכַּ֗יִם6 of 16

all the knees

H1290

a knee

אֲשֶׁ֤ר7 of 16
H834

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

לֹא8 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כָֽרְעוּ֙9 of 16

which have not bowed

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

לַבַּ֔עַל10 of 16

unto Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וְכָ֨ל11 of 16
H3605

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

הַפֶּ֔ה12 of 16

and every mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 16
H834

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

לֹֽא14 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָשַׁ֖ק15 of 16

which hath not kissed

H5401

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

לֽוֹ׃16 of 16
H0

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 19:18 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 19:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study