1 Kings 18:26

Authorized King James Version

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. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יִּקְחוּ
And they took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַפָּ֨ר
the bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נָתַ֣ן
which was given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
לָהֶם֮
H0
#7
עָשָֽׂה׃
them and they dressed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ
it and called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#9
בְשֵׁם
on the ~
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#10
הַבַּ֣עַל
O Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#11
מֵֽהַבֹּ֨קֶר
from morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#12
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
הַצָּֽהֳרַ֤יִם
even until noon
a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon
#14
לֵאמֹר֙
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
הַבַּ֣עַל
O Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#16
עֹנֶ֑ה
hear
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,
#17
וְאֵ֣ין
us But there was no
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#18
ק֖וֹל
voice
a voice or sound
#19
וְאֵ֣ין
us But there was no
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#20
עֹנֶ֑ה
hear
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,
#21
וַֽיְפַסְּח֔וּ
And they leaped
to hop, i.e., (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance
#22
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
upon the altar
an altar
#24
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#25
עָשָֽׂה׃
them and they dressed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources