1 Kings 18:36

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י׀

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּֽעֲל֣וֹת

H5927

And it came to pass at the time of the offering

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַמִּנְחָ֗ה

H4503

of the evening sacrifice

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וַיִּגַּ֞שׁ

H5066

came near

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

אֵֽלִיָּ֣הוּ

H452

that Elijah

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

הַנָּבִיא֮

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וַיֹּאמַר֒

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

LORD

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

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

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

אַבְרָהָם֙

H85

of Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

#11

יִצְחָ֣ק

H3327

Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

#12

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

and of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

הַיּ֣וֹם

H3117

this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#14

יִוָּדַ֗ע

H3045

let it be known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#16

אַתָּ֧ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#17

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

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

#18

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

and of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#19

וַֽאֲנִ֣י

H589

#20

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5650

and that I am thy servant

a servant

#21

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

all these things at thy word

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

#22

עָשִׂ֔יתִי

H6213

and that I have done

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

#23

אֵ֥ת

H853

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

#24

כָּל

H3605

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

#25

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

all these things at thy word

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

#26

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?

Related Resources

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