1 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 39

Authorized King James Version

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And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּרְא֙ saw H7200
וַיַּרְא֙ saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם And when all the people H5971
הָעָ֔ם And when all the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 3 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ it they fell H5307
וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ it they fell
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 4 of 13
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם on their faces H6440
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם on their faces
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 6 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ and they said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ and they said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 7 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֣וּא H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 9 of 13
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
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ he is the God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ he is the God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 13
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
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֥וּא H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 12 of 13
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
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ he is the God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ he is the God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 13 of 13
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

Analysis & Commentary

And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the prophets of baal, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

Historical Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Questions for Reflection