1 Kings 18:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ

H5066

came

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֵֽלִיָּ֜הוּ

H452

And Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

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

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

him And the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָתַ֞י

H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

אַתֶּ֣ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#10

פֹּֽסְחִים֮

H6452

halt

to hop, i.e., (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance

#11

עַל

H5921

How long

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

שְׁתֵּ֣י

H8147

ye between two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#13

הַסְּעִפִּים֒

H5587

opinions

divided (in mind), i.e., (abstractly) a sentiment

#14

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#15

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

if the LORD

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

#16

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙

H430

be God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

לְכ֣וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#18

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#19

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#20

הַבַּ֖עַל

H1168

follow him but if Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

#21

לְכ֣וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#22

אַֽחֲרָ֑יו

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#23

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#24

עָנ֥וּ

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#25

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

him And the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#26

אֹת֖וֹ

H853

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

#27

דָּבָֽר׃

H1697

him not a word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

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