1 Kings 18:17
1 Kings 18:17 in Multiple Translations
When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?”
¶ And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel?
And when he saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, Is it you, you troubler of Israel?
When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you—you who are causing trouble for Israel?”
And when Ahab saw Eliiah, Ahab said vnto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
and it cometh to pass at Ahab's seeing Elijah, that Ahab saith unto him, 'Art thou he — the troubler of Israel?'
When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?”
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
And when he had seen him, he said: Art thou he that troublest Israel?
When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, the one who causes trouble for the people of Israel?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֛י
כִּ/רְא֥וֹת
אַחְאָ֖ב
אֶת
אֵלִיָּ֑הוּ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אַחְאָב֙
אֵלָ֔י/ו
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
זֶ֖ה
עֹכֵ֥ר
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחְאָ֖ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֵלִיָּ֑הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Part | Pron
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
עֹכֵ֥ר
ʻâkar
H5916
to trouble
V-Qal
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:17
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אַחְאָ֖ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵלִיָּ֑הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Part | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
עֹכֵ֥ר
ʻâkar
H5916
"to trouble"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to trouble or disturb, like stirring up water. It is used to describe causing problems or affliction, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to trouble, stir up, disturb, make (someone) taboo 1a) (Qal) to disturb, trouble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be disturbed, be stirred up 1b2) disturbance, calamity (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: trouble, stir. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Kings 18:18; Psalms 39:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:17
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:17
Context — Elijah on Mount Carmel
15Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today.”
16So Obadiah went to inform Ahab, who went to meet Elijah.
17When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?”
18“I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. 19Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 7:25 | “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 21:20 | When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 3 | Acts 16:20 | They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil |
| 4 | Acts 17:6 | But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, |
| 5 | Acts 24:5 | We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, |
| 6 | Amos 7:10 | Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent word to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words, |
| 7 | Jeremiah 26:8–9 | and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! How dare you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted!” And all the people assembled against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 38:4 | Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.” |
1 Kings 18:17 Summary
[In this verse, Ahab is blaming Elijah for all the problems in Israel, but really, Ahab's own sin and rebellion against God are the cause of the trouble, as seen in 1 Kings 18:18. This is a reminder that we often try to shift the blame for our problems rather than taking responsibility and seeking God's help. We can learn from Elijah's example to be faithful and courageous in the face of opposition, and to trust in God's power and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahab call Elijah the 'troubler of Israel'?
Ahab called Elijah the 'troubler of Israel' because he believed Elijah's prophecies and actions were causing problems for the nation, rather than recognizing his own sin and rebellion against God, as seen in 1 Kings 18:18 and 1 Samuel 15:23.
Was Elijah really the cause of trouble in Israel?
No, Elijah was not the cause of trouble in Israel, but rather a messenger of God calling the people to repentance, as seen in 1 Kings 18:18 and Isaiah 58:1, where the prophets were sent to declare God's word and turn the people back to Him.
What can we learn from Ahab's reaction to Elijah?
We can learn from Ahab's reaction that when we are confronted with our sin, we often shift the blame to others or to circumstances, rather than taking responsibility and repenting, as seen in Genesis 3:12-13 and Proverbs 28:13.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 1 Kings?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of 1 Kings, as it sets the stage for the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and ultimately highlights the conflict between those who follow God and those who follow idols, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:6-10 and 1 Kings 21:25-26.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Ahab, may be shifting the blame for my problems rather than taking responsibility and seeking God's help?
- How can I, like Elijah, be a faithful messenger of God's word to those around me, even if it is uncomfortable or difficult?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be following 'Baal' or idols, rather than following God, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- What can I learn from Elijah's courage and confidence in the face of opposition, and how can I apply that to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:17
And it came to pass when Ahab saw Elijah,.... As soon as he came up to him, and knew who he was; Abarbinel thinks, because his hair was grown so long that Ahab did not know him certainly, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:17
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? Art thou he that troubleth Israel? A violent altercation took place.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
Have I at last met with thee, O thou great disturber of my kingdom, the author of this famine, and of all our disquiets and calamities?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
1 Kings 18:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel?Ver. 17. Art thou he that troubleth Israel?] Alas, what had the righteous prophet done? he taxed their sin, he foretold the judgment: he deserved it not, he inflicted it not; yet he smarteth, and they are guilty. As if some fond people should accuse the herald or the trumpet, as the cause of their war. Or, as if some ignorant peasant, when he seeth his fowls bathing in his pond, should cry out of them as the causes of foul weather. Bishop Hall.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
(17) Art thou . . .—Probably (as in 1 Kings 18:7) the rendering should be, “Thou here, the troubler of Israel!”—defying vengeance (that is) in the very land which thou hast troubled.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:17
17–40. Meeting of Ahab and Elijah. Baal proved to be no god. Slaughter of Baal’s prophets (Not in Chronicles) 17. Art thou he that troubleth Israel?] R.V. Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel? For Ahab would ascribe the drought and consequent famine directly to Elijah, after the language of 1 Kings 17:1.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:17
Art thou he ... - Meaning, “Can it possibly be that thou dost venture to present thyself before me, thou that troublest Israel by means of this terrible drought?” The charge of “troubling” had never
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:17
17. Art thou he that troubleth Israel — The question was equivalent to an affirmative. The king assumed, and charged it upon Elijah, that he had caused the famine. We might render: Art thou that Achar (Achan) of Israel?
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Elijah Legacy) 4. Confronting Ahab by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Elijah and how he obeyed the word of the Lord. Elijah was instructed by God to confront King Ahab and declare that there would b |
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O Troubler of America - When Fire Falls by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the concept of being a 'troubler' in America, drawing parallels from the story of Elisha in the book of Kings, where he was labeled a troubler for speaking |
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John Sung by David Smithers by John Sung | David Smithers preaches about the life and ministry of John Sung, a remarkable revivalist who embodied the prophetic voice of repentance in the modern Church. He emphasizes that li |
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Prophetic Service by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the prophetic service of Elijah, who confronts the idolatry of Israel and calls the people back to the thoughts of God. He highlights the spiritual batt |
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Charge and Countercharge by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp discusses the confrontation between Elijah and King Ahab, emphasizing Ahab's false accusation of Elijah as the troublemaker in Israel. Despite Ahab's power and intimid |
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And Ahab Said to Elijah, Hast Thou Found Me, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the confrontation between Ahab and Elijah, emphasizing how Ahab's wrongful actions led to a haunting conscience that overshadowed his material gains. He illustr |
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Lecture Xiv. - Measures to Promote Revivals. by Charles Finney | Charles Finney discusses the necessity of adopting new measures to promote revivals in the church, emphasizing that God has not established a fixed system of worship under the gosp |