1 Kings 18:27
1 Kings 18:27 in Multiple Translations
At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!”
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud; for he is a god: either he is musing, or he is gone aside, or he is on a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth and must be awaked.
And in the middle of the day, Elijah made sport of them, saying, Give louder cries, for he is a god; he may be deep in thought, or he may have gone away for some purpose, or he may be on a journey, or by chance he is sleeping and has to be made awake.
At noon Elijah began to mock them. “Shout really loud!” he said. “Isn't he meant to be a god? Maybe he's meditating, or he's gone to the bathroom, or he's away on a trip! Maybe he's asleep and has to be woken up!”
And at noone Eliiah mocked them, and said, Crye loude: for he is a god: either he talketh or pursueth his enemies, or is in his iourney, or it may be that he sleepeth, and must be awaked.
And it cometh to pass, at noon, that Elijah playeth on them, and saith, 'Call with a loud voice, for he [is] a god, for he is meditating, or pursuing, or on a journey; it may be he is asleep, an doth awake.'
At noon, Elijah mocked them, and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is deep in thought, or he has gone somewhere, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he sleeps and must be awakened.”
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he sleepeth, and must be awaked.
And when it was now noon, Elias jested at them, saying: Cry with a louder voice: for he is a God, and perhaps he is talking, or is in an inn, or on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep, and must be awaked.
About noontime, Elijah started to make fun of them. He said, “Surely Baal is a god, so it seems that you must shout louder! Perhaps he is thinking about something, or perhaps he has gone to the toilet. Or perhaps he is traveling somewhere, or perhaps he is asleep and you need to wake him up!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:27
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 18:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֨י
בַֽ/צָּהֳרַ֜יִם
וַ/יְהַתֵּ֧ל
בָּ/הֶ֣ם
אֵלִיָּ֗הוּ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
קִרְא֤וּ
בְ/קוֹל
גָּדוֹל֙
כִּֽי
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ה֔וּא
כִּ֣י
שִׂ֧יחַ
וְ/כִֽי
שִׂ֛יג
ל֖/וֹ
וְ/כִֽי
דֶ֣רֶךְ
ל֑/וֹ
אוּלַ֛י
יָשֵׁ֥ן
ה֖וּא
וְ/יִקָֽץ
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַֽ/צָּהֳרַ֜יִם
tsôhar
H6672
midday
Prep | N-mp
וַ/יְהַתֵּ֧ל
hâthal
H2048
to mock
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּ/הֶ֣ם
Prep | Suff
אֵלִיָּ֗הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
קִרְא֤וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בְ/קוֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
גָּדוֹל֙
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שִׂ֧יחַ
sîyach
H7879
complaint
N-ms
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
שִׂ֛יג
sîyg
H7873
pursuing
N-ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אוּלַ֛י
ʼûwlay
H194
perhaps
Adv
יָשֵׁ֥ן
yâshên
H3463
sleeping
Adj
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/יִקָֽץ
yâqats
H3364
to awake
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:27
וַ/יְהִ֨י
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.
בַֽ/צָּהֳרַ֜יִם
tsôhar
H6672
"midday"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a roof or a window, and can also mean noon or midday, likely due to the sun shining through a window at that time. It is used in descriptions of buildings and daily routines in the Bible.
Definition: 1) noon, midday 1a) noon (as specific time of day) 1b) noon (in simile as bright of happiness, blessing)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: midday, noon(-day, -tide), window. See also: Genesis 6:16; Psalms 37:6; Psalms 55:18.
וַ/יְהַתֵּ֧ל
hâthal
H2048
"to mock"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hathal means to deceive or cheat someone, often by mocking or ridiculing them. This word is used to describe dishonest or deceitful behavior in the Bible.
Definition: (Piel) to mock
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully, deceive, mock. See also: Genesis 31:7; Judges 16:15; Isaiah 44:20.
בָּ/הֶ֣ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֵלִיָּ֗הוּ
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/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.
קִרְא֤וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בְ/קוֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
גָּדוֹל֙
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
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.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שִׂ֧יחַ
sîyach
H7879
"complaint"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to a complaint or a thought that someone expresses, like a prayer or a concern, often used in the Psalms to describe the writer's emotions.
Definition: 1) meditation, complaint, musing 1a) plaint, complaint 1b) following are uncertain 1b1) musing 1b2) anxiety, trouble 1b3) talk
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: babbling, communication, complaint, meditation, prayer, talk. See also: 1 Samuel 1:16; Job 23:2; Psalms 55:3.
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שִׂ֛יג
sîyg
H7873
"pursuing"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means to move away or withdraw to a private place, like stepping aside for some quiet time. It can also mean dross, or waste material. In the Bible, it's used to describe a withdrawal from public view.
Definition: a moving away, dross
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pursuing. See also: 1 Kings 18:27.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אוּלַ֛י
ʼûwlay
H194
"perhaps"
Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
יָשֵׁ֥ן
yâshên
H3463
"sleeping"
Adj
Refers to someone who is sleeping or sleepy, like the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:40. It describes a person in a state of rest or slumber.
Definition: sleeping
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: asleep, (one out of) sleep(-eth, -ing), slept. See also: 1 Samuel 26:7; Psalms 78:65; Hosea 7:6.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/יִקָֽץ
yâqats
H3364
"to awake"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wake up or become active, and is used in the Bible to describe someone awakening from sleep. It is translated as 'awake' in the KJV.
Definition: (Qal) to awake, awaken, become active
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be) awake(-d). See also: Genesis 9:24; Judges 16:14; Psalms 78:65.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:27
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- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:27
Context — Elijah on Mount Carmel
25Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Since you are so numerous, choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first. Then call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.”
26And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made.
27At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!”
28So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. 29Midday passed, and they kept on raving until the time of the evening sacrifice. But there was no response; no one answered, no one paid attention.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:65–66 | Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a mighty warrior overcome by wine. He beat back His foes; He put them to everlasting shame. |
| 2 | Isaiah 41:23 | Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 11:9 | Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. |
| 4 | Isaiah 8:9–10 | Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
| 5 | Mark 7:9 | He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. |
| 6 | Psalms 121:4 | Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. |
| 7 | Matthew 26:45 | Then He returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. |
| 8 | Mark 14:41 | When Jesus returned the third time, He said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. |
| 9 | Mark 4:38–39 | But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 22:15 | When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” |
1 Kings 18:27 Summary
In 1 Kings 18:27, Elijah is making fun of the prophets of Baal because their god is not responding to their cries. He is saying that if Baal were a real god, he would be able to hear and answer them, but since he is not responding, maybe he is just not paying attention or is asleep. This shows us that false gods are powerless and unable to hear or help us, unlike the one true God who is always present and powerful, as seen in Psalm 139:7-10 and Jeremiah 23:23-24. We can learn from Elijah's example to trust in the power and presence of the one true God and to reject the false idols in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elijah taunt the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:27?
Elijah taunted the prophets of Baal to expose the falseness of their god and to highlight the powerlessness of their idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:21 where God says He will provoke Israel to anger by a foolish nation.
What does Elijah mean by saying Baal might be 'deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey'?
Elijah is being sarcastic, implying that if Baal were a real god, he would be attentive to his prophets' cries, but since he is not responding, perhaps he is distracted or absent, much like the false gods in Isaiah 44:18-20 who are unable to see or hear.
Is Elijah's method of taunting the prophets of Baal a good example for us to follow in our own spiritual lives?
While Elijah's boldness in confronting false prophets is commendable, his method of taunting is specific to his prophetic role and the context of the situation, as seen in Jude 1:3 where we are called to contend for the faith, but also in Ephesians 4:29 where we are to speak the truth in love.
What can we learn from the prophets of Baal's persistence in shouting and cutting themselves in 1 Kings 18:28?
The prophets of Baal's actions demonstrate the depths of human depravity and the futility of idolatrous practices, serving as a warning to us to examine our own hearts and actions, as in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 where we are warned about the dangers of false religion and the importance of sound doctrine.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I might be 'shouting louder' to a false god or idol in my own life, and how can I turn my attention to the one true God?
- How can I, like Elijah, stand boldly for the truth of God's Word in the face of opposition or mockery, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15-16?
- In what ways do I struggle with doubt or uncertainty about God's presence or power in my life, and how can I, like Elijah, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as in Psalm 23:1-4?
- What are some 'false gods' in my life that I need to confront and reject, and how can I, like Elijah, call upon the name of the Lord and trust in His power, as in Psalm 100:1-5?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:27
And it came to pass at noon,.... When they had been from the time of the morning sacrifice until now invoking their deity to no purpose: that Elijah mocked them; he jeered and bantered them: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:27
And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:27
At noon; when they had long tried all means in vain. Elijah mocked them; derided them and their gods, which were indeed, and had now proved themselves to be, ridiculous and contemptible things. By this example we see that all jesting is not unlawful, but only that which intrencheth upon piety and good manners. See Poole "". Either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey; he is employed about some other business, and hath not leisure to mind you; for being a god of a small and narrow understanding, he cannot mind two things at once, and you are immodest and unreasonable to expect it from him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:27
1 Kings 18:27 And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he [is] a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, [or] peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.Ver. 27. That Elijah mocked them.] All mocking therefore is not unlawful: not that which tendeth to the discountenancing of sin; but that which is to the unjust disgrace and just grief of another. Or he is pursuing.] Heb., He hath a pursuit, viz., hostium vel ferarum: either he is chasing his enemies, or hunting some wild creatures for his recreation. Or he is in a journey, &c.] Homer brings in the gods journeying, fighting, feasting, sleeping, &c. Lucian feigneth that there are certain chasms or chinks in heaven, through which only Jupiter, at certain times, heareth men’ s prayers. Of Diana they say, that being busy at great Alexander’ s birth, she could not be present at Ephesus to preserve her temple, which was, the same time, set on fire and burnt to ashes.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:27
(27) Elijah mocked them.—The mockery of Elijah—apparently even blunter and more scornful in the sense of the original—has been with over-ingenuity explained as applying to various supposed actions of Baal. It is merely the bitter irony of sheer contempt, calling Baal a god only to heap upon him ideas most ungodlike; “He is busy, or he is in retirement; he is far away, or in the noon-day heat he is asleep.” Characteristic of the fierce indignation of Elijah’s nature, in this crisis of conflict, it is yet not unlike the righteous scorn of the psalmists or the prophets (see Psalms 115:4-8; Psalms 135:15-18; Isaiah 44:9-20; Isaiah 46:1-7; Jeremiah 10:2-10, &c.) for the worship of “the vanities” of the heathen. There was no place for toleration of prejudice, or tender appreciation of a blind worship feeling after God, like that of St. Paul at Athens (Acts 17:22-23). The conflict here was between spiritual worship and a foul, cruel idolatry; and the case was not of heathen ignorance, but of Israel’s apostasy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:27
Verse 27. At noon - Elijah mocked them] Had not Elijah been conscious of the Divine protection, he certainly would not have used such freedom of speech while encompassed by his enemies. Cry aloud] Make a great noise; oblige him by your vociferations to attend to your suit. For he is a god] כי אלהים הוא ki Elohim hu, he is the supreme God, you worship him as such, he must needs be such, and no doubt jealous of his own honour and the credit of his votaries! A strong irony. He is talking] He may be giving audience to some others; let him know that he has other worshippers, and must not give too much of his attention to one. Perhaps the word שיח siach should be interpreted as in the margin, he meditateth; he is in a profound revery; he is making some god-like projects; he is considering how he may best keep up his credit in the nation. Shout! let him know that all is now at stake. He is pursuing] He may be taking his pleasure in hunting, and may continue to pursue the game in heaven, till he have lost all his credit and reverence on earth. The original words, שיג לו sig lo, are variously translated; He is in a hotel, in diversorio, VULGATE.
Perhaps he is delivering oracles, μηποτεχρηματιζειαυτος, SEPTUAGINT. Or, he is on some special business. Therefore, cry aloud! He is in a journey] He has left his audience chamber, and is making some excursions; call aloud to bring him back, as his all is at stake. Peradventure he sleepeth] Rab. S. Jarchi gives this the most degrading meaning; I will give it in Latin, because it is too coarse to be put in English; Fortassis ad locum secretum abiit, ut ventrem ibi exomeret; "Perhaps he is gone to the ______." This certainly reduces Baal to the lowest degree of contempt, and with it the ridicule and sarcasm are complete. Among Asiatic idolaters their gods have different functions to fulfil, and require sleep and rest. Vishnoo sleeps four months in the year. Budhoo is represented in his temple as sleep, though his eyes are open.
Vayoo manages the winds; Varoona, the waters; Indra, the clouds, c. and according to many fables in the Pooranas, the gods are often out on journeys, expeditions, &c.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:27
27. Elijah mocked them] i.e. To make their folly more apparent to the people, he urged them on to greater exertions. for he is a god] As you deem him. Elijah attributed no power to Baal. He merely addresses the priests from their own level, and to make the object of their worship more contemptible attributes to him certain acts and necessities which proclaim him no more powerful than his worshippers. either he is talking] R.V. musing. The word and its cognates are more frequently used of meditation than of speech, and to picture Baal as so preoccupied by thought as not to hear the loud cries of these frantic prophets suits, better than the rendering of A.V., with the mockery which Elijah designed. or he is pursuing] R.V. gone aside. The word appears to be used here to express the idea that Baal had withdrawn himself for rest or some other physical necessity. Gesenius renders ‘recessit in conclavia interiora.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:27
The object of Elijah’s irony was two-fold; (1) to stimulate the priests to greater exertions, and so to make their failure more complete, and (2) to suggest to the people that such failure would
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:27
27. Mocked them — A mockery consisting of the most biting ridicule, irony, and sarcasm imaginable. Cry aloud — Scream with a great voice.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:27
| Sermon | Description | |
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Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing between two opposing paths in the last days. They highlight the contrast between the biblical view of reality and |
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Crusading On--Our Responsibility by Beryl Amos | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'mukterizo,' which signifies mocking, deriding, and treating with contempt. The concept of sowing and reaping is emphasized, highlighting th |
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Youth by Matt Chandler | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of taking steps and not being afraid to fail. He emphasizes that God's power flows through us and that we should embrace the |
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All Is Vanity by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the futility of pursuing worldly goals and pleasures. He emphasizes that these pursuits do not bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. The |
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Don't Waste Your Life by Will Galkin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity and fragility of life. He uses the imagery of broken objects to illustrate how quickly and unexpectedly life can change. The pre |
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Everything Is Recorded by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a dream he had where he found himself standing before the great white judgment throne. He expected to receive praise for his good works, but inst |
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The Philosophy of a Fool by Dennis Jenkins | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich farmer as told by Jesus. The parable highlights the foolishness of placing all emphasis on material possessions and n |