1 Kings 18:25

Authorized King James Version

And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵֽלִיָּ֜הוּ

H452

And Elijah

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

לִנְבִיאֵ֣י

H5030

unto the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַבַּ֗עַל

H1168

of Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

בַּֽחֲר֨וּ

H977

Choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לָכֶ֜ם

הַפָּ֤ר

H6499

bullock

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

הָֽאֶחָד֙

H259

you one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

for yourselves and dress

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

רִֽאשֹׁנָ֔ה

H7223

it first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

#11

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

אַתֶּ֖ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#13

הָֽרַבִּ֑ים

H7227

for ye are many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#14

וְקִרְאוּ֙

H7121

and call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#15

בְּשֵׁ֣ם

H8034

on the ~

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#16

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם

H430

of your gods

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

וְאֵ֖שׁ

H784

no fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#18

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#19

תָשִֽׂימוּ׃

H7760

but put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Elijah

Study Resources

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