1 Kings 18:21
1 Kings 18:21 in Multiple Translations
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, How long will you go on balancing between two opinions? if the Lord is God, then give worship to him; but if Baal, give worship to him. And the people said not a word in answer.
Elijah approached the people and asked them, “How long will you hobble along, hesitating between two opposite beliefs? If the Lord is God, then follow him. But if Baal is God, then follow him.” But the people didn't answer.
And Eliiah came vnto all the people, and said, How long halt ye betweene two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal be he, then goe after him. And the people answered him not a worde.
and Elijah cometh nigh unto all the people, and saith, 'Till when are ye leaping on the two branches? — if Jehovah [is] God, go after Him; and if Baal, go after him;' and the people have not answered him a word.
Elijah came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you waver between the two sides? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people didn’t say a word.
And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD is God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
And Elias coming to all the people, said: How long do you halt between two sides? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people did not answer him a word.
Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How long [RHQ] are you going to be undecided about who is truly God? If Yahweh is truly God, then worship/serve him. If Baal is truly God, then worship/serve him!” But the people said nothing in reply, because they were afraid of what Jezebel would do to them if they admitted that they worshiped Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:21
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 18:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּגַּ֨שׁ
אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ
אֶל
כָּל
הָ/עָ֗ם
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
עַד
מָתַ֞י
אַתֶּ֣ם
פֹּסְחִים֮
עַל
שְׁתֵּ֣י
הַ/סְּעִפִּים֒
אִם
יְהוָ֤ה
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙
לְכ֣וּ
אַחֲרָ֔י/ו
וְ/אִם
הַ/בַּ֖עַל
לְכ֣וּ
אַחֲרָ֑י/ו
וְ/לֹֽא
עָנ֥וּ
הָ/עָ֛ם
אֹת֖/וֹ
דָּבָֽר
וַ/יִּגַּ֨שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָתַ֞י
mâthay
H4970
how
Part
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
פֹּסְחִים֮
pâçach
H6452
to pass
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
הַ/סְּעִפִּים֒
çâʻiph
H5587
division
Art | N-mp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אַחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
הַ/בַּ֖עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אַחֲרָ֑י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
עָנ֥וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:21
וַ/יִּגַּ֨שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָתַ֞י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
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.
פֹּסְחִים֮
pâçach
H6452
"to pass"
V-Qal
To limp or hop is the meaning of this verb, which can also mean to skip over or spare something. It is used in Exodus 12:27 to describe the Israelites' actions during the Passover.
Definition: 1) to pass over, spring over 1a) (Qal) to pass over 1b) (Piel) to skip, pass over
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: halt, become lame, leap, pass over. See also: Exodus 12:13; 2 Samuel 5:6; Isaiah 31:5.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
הַ/סְּעִפִּים֒
çâʻiph
H5587
"division"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a divided mind or sentiment, like having mixed opinions. It appears in the Bible as a feeling of disquiet or uncertainty. In the KJV, it's translated as 'opinion'.
Definition: ambivalence, division, divided opinion
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: opinion. See also: 1 Kings 18:21; Job 4:13; Job 20:2.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אַחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
הַ/בַּ֖עַל
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Art | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אַחֲרָ֑י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָנ֥וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:21
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:21
Context — Elijah on Mount Carmel
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.”
20So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.
21Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.
22Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 6:24 | No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. |
| 2 | Joshua 24:15 | But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:21–22 | You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too. Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 6:14–16 | Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 17:41 | So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 7:3 | Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” |
| 7 | Revelation 3:15–16 | I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:35 | You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him. |
| 9 | Zephaniah 1:5 | those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom, |
| 10 | Psalms 100:3 | Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. |
1 Kings 18:21 Summary
[This verse is about Elijah asking the people to make a choice between following the one true God or a false god named Baal. Elijah wants them to stop being indecisive and commit to following God, just like Joshua did in Joshua 24:15, where he chose to serve the LORD. The people's silence shows that they are unsure of what to do, but Elijah's question is still relevant for us today, as we face similar choices between following God or the world, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17, where we are warned not to love the world or the things in it.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue Elijah is addressing in this verse?
Elijah is confronting the people's spiritual indecision, calling them to choose between following the LORD or Baal, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21, and this is a common struggle for believers, as noted in Matthew 6:24, where Jesus teaches that we cannot serve two masters.
Why did the people remain silent in response to Elijah's question?
The people's silence may indicate their guilt, fear, or uncertainty, as they were caught in a spiritual dilemma, similar to the Israelites in Exodus 14:13, who were silent in fear as they faced the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, but God intervened to save them.
What does Elijah's question reveal about the nature of faith?
Elijah's question highlights that faith is not a neutral or middle-ground position, but rather a commitment to follow and obey the one true God, as expressed in Deuteronomy 6:13-15, where the people are commanded to fear, serve, and swear allegiance only to the LORD.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that we, like the Israelites, are often faced with choices between following God or the world, and we must decide who we will serve, as warned in Romans 6:16, where we are told that we are slaves to whatever we obey, either sin or God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be wavering between two opinions, and how can I apply Elijah's challenge to make a clear decision for God?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following the LORD, like Elijah's bold declaration in this verse?
- How can I, like Elijah, lovingly yet firmly call others to make a choice for God, without being judgmental or condemning?
- What are some common 'Baal's' in our modern world that can distract us from following the one true God, and how can we avoid them?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came unto all the people,.... Assembled at Mount Carmel: and said, how long halt ye between two opinions?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
How long halt ye between two opinions? why do you not make straight paths with your feet? as the phrase is, ; why do you walk so lamely and unevenly, being so unsteady in your opinions and practices, and doubting whether it is better to worship God or Baal? If the Lord be God; whom you pretend to worship in the calves, ,31: compare . Follow him; worship him, and him only, and that in such place and manner as he hath commanded you, and not by the calves. But if Baal; if Baal can prove himself to be the true God. The people answered him not a word, being convinced of the reasonableness of his proposition; taught by experience that Jehovah had sent this judgment, and that Baal could not remove it, which had staggered them in their opinion about Baal; yet not daring to disown Baal, for fear of the displeasure of the king, then present.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.Ver. 21. How long halt ye between two opinions?] Being as soon of this, and as soon of that; uncertain of either, unconstant to either; flying, like birds, off one bough on to another, as the Hebrew word here used properly signifieth, waving as top branches, and wavering "like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." Such "a double-minded man," saith that apostle, "is unstable in all his ways"; - Ecebolius, for instance, the late archbishop of Spalato; Baldwin, of whom Beza saith that he had religionem ephemeram, for each day a new religion; Henry IV of France, whom Ravilliac stabbed, as himself confessed, because he was of two religions; and sundry of our sectaries with their Dies diem doces, which was once one of the sceptical marks of the Arminians, but now of our new-lighted men: surely, saith one, such a generation of moon-calves hardly ever appeared in the world, utpote quos molendini instar quovis doctrinae vento, circumagitat diabolus, the devil wherrying and whirling them about, as a mill "with every wind of doctrine." If the Lord be God, follow him.] Less hateful to God are they that serve him not at all, than they that serve him with a rival. If God be God, follow him, said Mr Bradford, martyr, in one of his letters: if the mass be God, let him that will see it, hear, and be present at it, and go to the devil with it. And the people answered him not a word.] Baal’ s worshippers, self-condemned, could not plead for him: those that followed the Lord durst not speak for fear of Ahab and Jezebel. Many such cold friends religion hath now-a-days. δρςτιν. Hos Cyprianus appellat palpatores temporum, in levitate tantum constantes. Act. and Mon.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
(21) How long halt ye between two opinions?—In this exclamation is expressed the very motto of Elijah’s life. It is that of righteous impatience of the “halting” (i.e., limping to and fro) “between two opinions—at all times more dangerous, because more easy, than open apostasy—which was evidently characteristic of Ahab, and probably of the mass of the people. It might have suited well the accommodating genius of such polytheism as had been brought into Israel since the days of Solomon himself, but was utterly incompatible with the sole absolute claim of the worship of Jehovah. Perhaps Jezebel would have scorned it equally for Baal. Compare the indignant expostulation of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 20:31; Ezekiel 20:39). The question, once clearly understood, is always unanswerable, and is listened to here in awestruck silence.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
Verse 21. How long halt ye between two opinions?] Literally, "How long hop ye about upon two boughs?" This is a metaphor taken from birds hopping about from bough to bough, not knowing on which to settle. Perhaps the idea of limping through lameness should not be overlooked. They were halt, they could not walk uprightly; they dreaded Jehovah, and therefore could not totally abandon him; they feared the king and queen, and therefore thought they must embrace the religion of the state. Their conscience forbade them to do the former; their fear of man persuaded them to do the latter, but in neither were they heartily engaged; and at this juncture their minds seemed in equipoise, and they were waiting for a favourable opportunity to make their decision. Such an opportunity now, through the mercy of God, presented itself.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:21
21. And Elijah came] R.V. adds near. The word is the same which is twice so rendered in 1 Kings 18:30. It indicates an approach for the purpose of conference and support. How long halt ye between two opinions] The verb is an expressive word, and is used below for the irregular, stumbling sort of dance about the altar of Baal (1 Kings 18:26). It indicates a lame uncertain gait. Hence it suits very well the conduct of Israel, now drawn toward Jehovah, but not earnest there, and then attracted to Baal, but not altogether satisfied with that worship. The LXX. renders ἕωςπότεὑμεῖςχωλανεῖτεἐπʼ ? ἀμφοτέραιςταῖςἰγνύαις; How long go ye lame on both knees? But there is no ground for the last word of that translation, and it loses the sense. It was a lame going, now in one direction, now in another, that Elijah was reproaching.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:21
The people were mute. They could not but feel the logical force of Elijah’s argument; but they were not prepared at once to act upon it.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:21
21. How long halt ye between two opinions — Septuagint: How long limp ye on both your knees?
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand" by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the di |
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Prophet Elijah by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the need for revival and the importance of surrendering to God's way. It highlights the story of Elijah, a prophet who stood against apostasy and declension, |
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Elijah - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the theme of revival and the role of prophets like Elijah in bringing about spiritual awakening. It emphasizes the need for a return to God's ways and the im |
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Between the Two (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of people who claim to love God but still engage in sinful behaviors. He emphasizes the need for believers to fully commit to follo |
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Elijah Was a Calvinist by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the audience's indecisiveness and urges them to consider the end and make a serious decision. He emphasizes that the path to life is difficul |
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Upon This Rock by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the suns |
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Eternal Hell (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story of a man who escaped from a concentration camp and came to their community with a warning. The man described seeing fire and tried to |