1 Kings 18:24

Authorized King James Version

And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶקְרָ֣א
H7121
And call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
בְשֵׁם
H8034
on the ~
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#3
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
and the 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
#4
וַֽאֲנִי֙
H589
i
#5
אֶקְרָ֣א
H7121
And call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#6
בְשֵׁם
H8034
on the ~
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וְהָיָ֧ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
and the 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
#10
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
וַיַּ֧עַן
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,
#12
בָאֵ֖שׁ
H784
by fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#13
ה֣וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
and the 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
#15
וַיַּ֧עַן
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,
#16
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
הָעָ֛ם
H5971
And all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#18
וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#19
ט֥וֹב
H2896
It is well
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#20
הַדָּבָֽר׃
H1697
spoken
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

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