Elijah on Mount Carmel and the Fall of Baal's Prophets
1 Kings 18:16-46
1 K.18.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עבדיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:1 (thematic): Elijah's first appearance in the narrative where he confronts Ahab with a prophetic message (the drought)—establishes the prophet-vs-king dynamic that leads to the meeting in 18:16.
- 1 Kings 18:17 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same scene: Ahab recognizes Elijah and accuses him, showing the face-to-face encounter begun in 18:16.
- 1 Kings 21:17-19 (thematic): A later prophetic confrontation between Elijah and Ahab after Naboth's death—another instance of Elijah delivering God's judgment directly to the king.
- 1 Samuel 9:15-10:1 (thematic): Samuel's meeting with Saul (a prophet interacting with a kingly figure to communicate God's will and enact a transfer of authority) parallels the prophetic/royal encounter motif.
- Exodus 7:8-13 (thematic): Moses and Aaron's repeated meetings with Pharaoh to demand Israel's release and perform signs—an earlier biblical pattern of a prophetic/signer confronting a ruler, comparable to Elijah before Ahab.
Alternative generated candidates
- Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
- And Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
1 K.18.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כראות: VERB,qal,inf_abs
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- האתה: PRON,2,m,sg,interr
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- עכר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:18 (quotation): Immediate response of Elijah: he denies being the troubler and charges Ahab and his house — direct verbal continuation of the exchange.
- Exodus 5:20-21 (thematic): The Israelites accuse Moses and Aaron of making their situation worse before Pharaoh — a leader/prophet blamed for 'troubling' the nation.
- Jeremiah 26:11 (structural): The people seek death for Jeremiah because his prophecies are seen as endangering the city — similar pattern of accusing a prophet of causing trouble or unrest.
- 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 (thematic): Zechariah son of Jehoiada is denounced and killed after confronting the king/people — another instance of prophetic rebuke met with accusation and violence.
- 1 Kings 19:10 (thematic): Elijah later laments that he has been persecuted and left alone for proclaiming God's word — development of the same motif of prophet as target of blame.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, "Is that you who trouble Israel?"
- When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, "Is that you who trouble Israel?"
1 K.18.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- עכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- בעזבכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- הבעלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 16:31-33 (structural): Describes Ahab and Jezebel’s introduction of Baal worship in Israel — the historical background for Elijah’s charge that the king and his house have led Israel into Baalism.
- Judges 2:11-13 (thematic): Summarizes Israel’s recurring pattern of forsaking Yahweh and serving Baalim and other gods, paralleling Elijah’s accusation of national apostasy.
- Jeremiah 2:11-13 (thematic): Jeremiah indicts Israel for exchanging the true God and his ways for worthless things (incl. foreign gods), echoing the charge that leaders and the people abandoned God’s commandments for Baal.
- 2 Kings 17:7-18 (structural): Explains how Israel’s persistent idolatry (serving Baalim, disobeying God’s commands) led to judgment and exile — a later, expanded account of the consequences to which Elijah was pointing.
Alternative generated candidates
- He answered, "I have not troubled Israel; but you and your father's house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals.
- Elijah answered, "I have not troubled Israel; but you and your father's house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have gone after the Baals.
1 K.18.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קבץ: VERB,qal,imp,2,ms
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הכרמל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- נביאי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- ונביאי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- האשרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אכלי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- שלחן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איזבל: NOUN,prop,f,sg
Parallels
- 1Kgs.18.20 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene — Elijah confronts Israel on Mount Carmel and challenges the prophets of Baal, forming the direct narrative parallel and outcome of v.19's summons.
- 1Kgs.16:31-33 (allusion): Background account of Ahab and Jezebel introducing Baal and Asherah worship in Israel — explains the political/religious context behind the large body of Baal/Asherah prophets mentioned in 18:19.
- 2Kgs.10:18-28 (thematic): Jehu's later purge of Baal worshipers (gathering them and destroying the cult) parallels Elijah's confrontation with Baal's prophets and the theme of decisive, violent eradication of Baal worship from Israel.
- Deut.13:12-15 (thematic): Law regulating communal action against a city that has turned to other gods — parallels the idea of summoning the community to deal with idolatry and its proponents in Israel.
- Ps.106:28-29 (verbal): Recalls Israel 'joining themselves to Baal' and sacrificing to the dead, with Asherah also mentioned in the prophetic/ritual context — thematically echoes the charge against Israel's leaders and prophets who served Baal and Asherah in 1 Kgs 18:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel; and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of Asherah four hundred, who eat at Jezebel's table."
- Now therefore send and gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of Asherah four hundred—who eat at Jezebel's table."
1 K.18.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקבץ: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הכרמל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 22:6 (verbal): Ahab again summons prophets (four hundred) to consult him — a direct verbal/functional parallel of a king gathering prophets for counsel.
- Judges 20:1 (thematic): “All the people of Israel… came together” — a national assembly motif where Israel is gathered to address a crisis, paralleling the congregation called to Carmel.
- Exodus 24:1 (structural): Moses summons Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy elders to ‘come up to the LORD’ on the mountain — a similar structural pattern of ascent to a mountain for a decisive encounter with God.
- Deut 31:11 (thematic): The command to assemble all Israel that they may hear the law (at set times) echoes the theme of gathering the whole people to receive authoritative proclamation.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Ahab sent to all the sons of Israel and assembled the prophets at Mount Carmel.
- So Ahab sent throughout all Israel and gathered the prophets to Mount Carmel.
1 K.18.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- מתי: ADV,int
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- פסחים: ADJ,m,pl
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- הסעפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אם: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ואם: CONJ
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- ענו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 24:15 (thematic): A public challenge to choose whom to serve — 'choose this day whom you will serve' parallels Elijah's demand that the people decide between YHWH and Baal.
- Deuteronomy 30:19 (thematic): Presents a clear choice between two paths (life and death, blessing and curse), echoing the call to make a decisive moral/theological choice rather than remain divided.
- Matthew 6:24 (thematic): Jesus' assertion that one cannot serve two masters ('you cannot serve God and mammon') parallels Elijah's indictment of divided loyalty between God and Baal.
- Revelation 3:15-16 (allusion): The rebuke of being neither hot nor cold (lukewarm) corresponds to Elijah's denunciation of the people's vacillation and failure to commit to God.
- Judges 2:11-13 (thematic): Narrative of Israel forsaking YHWH to serve Baals mirrors the situation Elijah addresses — widespread apostasy and service to Baal prompting a summons to choose.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you limp between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, follow him." And the people gave him no answer.
- Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; and if Baal, follow him." And the people answered him not a word.
1 K.18.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- נותרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- נביא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לבדי: ADV,sg,suff,1,sg
- ונביאי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Kgs.19:10 (verbal): Elijah repeats the claim that he alone remains a prophet of the LORD ('I, even I only, am left'), echoing 18:22's assertion of solitary prophetic fidelity.
- 1Sam.3:1 (thematic): Describes a time when 'the word of the LORD was rare'—a thematic parallel to Elijah's sense of prophetic isolation and scarcity of true prophetic voice in Israel.
- 1Kgs.18:40 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: the fate of the 450 prophets of Baal after the Mount Carmel contest, contrasting Elijah's solitary status with the downfall of the many false prophets.
- Jer.23:21-22 (thematic): God distinguishes true prophets from false ones who 'run' without being sent; thematically parallels the illegitimacy of Baal's prophets and the critique of false prophecy implicit in 18:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah said to the people, "I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but the prophets of Baal are four hundred and fifty men.
- Elijah said to the people, "I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
1 K.18.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויבחרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- וינתחהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישימו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- ונתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- על: PREP
- העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשים: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 6:13 (thematic): Both verses focus on the presence or absence of fire on the altar—cultic concern that the sacrificial fire be managed according to divine prescription.
- Leviticus 9:24 (structural): Narrative parallel: God miraculously sends fire to consume a burnt offering, as in Elijah’s challenge where divine fire is expected to demonstrate Yahweh’s power.
- Genesis 22:6-8 (thematic): Shared sacrificial imagery of placing wood on the victim/offering; both scenes use the wood-on-the-offering motif in a test of divine provision or intervention.
- 2 Kings 1:10-12 (allusion): Another Elijah episode in which fire from heaven answers him (consuming soldiers), echoing the motif of Elijah’s authority and divine fire acting on his word.
- Luke 9:54 (allusion): New Testament echo of the idea of ‘calling down fire from heaven’ as a demonstration of divine judgment/power (James and John’s request mirrors the concept of heavenly fire as divine vindication).
Alternative generated candidates
- Let two bulls be given us; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it.
- Let two bulls be given to us; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire under it.
1 K.18.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וקראתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אקרא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יענה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kgs. 18:36-38 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same narrative: Elijah prays and the LORD answers by fire, consuming the sacrifice—fulfillment of the challenge in v.24.
- Lev. 9:24 (verbal): At the inaugural sacrifices, fire came out from the LORD and consumed the burnt offering—an earlier precedent of God 'answering' by fire at sacrificial rites.
- 2 Chr. 7:1 (verbal): When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering—another royal/temple instance where divine fire validates worship.
- Judg. 6:21 (thematic): Gideon's sign: fire springs from a rock and consumes the offering—an analogous miraculous demonstration by fire confirming divine commissioning.
- 1 Sam. 7:9-10 (thematic): When Samuel prayed, the LORD thundered and routed the Philistines—another episode where Israel's cry to Yahweh is answered by a dramatic heavenly act affirming God's power.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then you shall call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, he is God." And all the people said, "It is well said."
- And you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, he is God." And all the people said, "It is well spoken."
1 K.18.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לנביאי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בחרו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- ועשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- ראשנה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- הרבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- וקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשימו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:26-29 (verbal): Immediate continuation: the prophets of Baal call on Baal, cut themselves, and are silent—direct narrative parallel and fulfillment of Elijah's instruction.
- 1 Kings 18:36-38 (thematic): Elijah's prayer and God's fire respond to Yahweh—contrast with Baal's failure, highlighting divine vindication after the prophets' challenge.
- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (structural): Elijah's initial confrontation at Mount Carmel ('how long will you waver?') frames the showdown between Yahweh and Baal that leads into verse 25.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Poetic critique of idols as silent and powerless—theological parallel to Baal's failure to answer when the prophets call.
- Isaiah 44:9-20 (allusion): Satiric depiction of idol-makers and impotent idols underscores the folly of worshiping created gods, echoing the Mount Carmel demonstration against Baal.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose for yourselves one bull, and prepare it first; for you are many. Call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under it."
- Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose for yourselves one bull, and prepare it first; for you are many; call on the name of your god, but put no fire."
1 K.18.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהבקר: PREP
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- הצהרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עננו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- ענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפסחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 18:27 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation — Elijah taunts the prophets of Baal, provoking their louder cries and self‑injury (directly follows and contrasts their futile calling).
- 1 Kgs 18:40 (structural): Narrative contrast — after Baal fails to answer, the LORD answers Elijah by fire, demonstrating divine power over the silent deity invoked from morning to noon.
- Ps 115:4-8 (verbal): Theme of impotent idols: idols have mouths but cannot speak and those who make them become like them — parallels the prophets’ unanswered cries to Baal.
- Isa 44:9-20 (thematic): Extended denunciation of idolatry: craftsmen fashion worthless images that cannot speak or save — echoes the folly and silence of Baal in 1 Kgs 18:26.
- Jer 2:11-13 (thematic): Condemnation of turning from the living God to false gods that do not profit — thematic parallel to Israel seeking help from Baal who gives no answer.
Alternative generated candidates
- They took the bull that was given them and prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice and no answer. They limped about the altar that they had made.
- So they took the bull that was given them and prepared it, and they called on the name of Baal from morning even to noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice and no answer. And they limped about the altar that they had made.
1 K.18.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בצהרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויהתל: VERB,hitpael,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שיח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכי: CONJ
- שיג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וכי: CONJ
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אולי: ADV
- ישן: ADJ,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויקץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 115:4-8 (verbal): Rejects idols as mute and powerless—"they have mouths but speak not"—echoing Elijah's taunt that Baal is silent, asleep, or absent.
- Isaiah 44:9-20 (thematic): Satirizes the making and worship of man‑made idols that cannot speak or act; thematically parallels Elijah's ridicule of a false, impotent deity.
- Isaiah 41:21-24 (structural): A prophetic challenge to idols to prove themselves and foretell events; similar courtroom/challenge motif where the impotence of false gods is exposed.
- Jeremiah 10:3-5 (thematic): Describes the foolish customs of idol‑makers who fashion lifeless images from wood—parallels Elijah's mockery of Baal as a crafted, inactive object.
- Psalm 121:3-4 (thematic): Contrasts the notion that a deity might "sleep"—this psalm affirms the LORD does not slumber, highlighting the absurdity of Elijah's sarcastic suggestion about Baal.
Alternative generated candidates
- At noon Elijah mocked them and said, "Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey; perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened."
- And at noon Elijah mocked them and said, "Cry aloud! For he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey; perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened."
1 K.18.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ויתגדדו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- כמשפטם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- בחרבות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וברמחים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- שפך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 19:28 (verbal): Explicit law forbidding making cuts on the body for the dead; verbally parallels the prophets of Baal cutting themselves and provides the legal/ethical contrast.
- Deuteronomy 14:1 (verbal): Prohibits Israelites from cutting themselves or making baldness for the dead—another direct legal contrast to the self‑wounding ritual of Baal's adherents.
- Ezekiel 8:14 (thematic): Describes foreign cultic lamentation (women weeping for Tammuz) within Israel’s sanctuary—thematic parallel to foreign, ritualized practices (self‑mutilation/lament) infiltrating Israelite religion.
- Mark 5:5 (verbal): New Testament depiction of the Gerasene demoniac “cutting himself with stones”; a vivid biblical instance of self‑mutilation that parallels the physical self‑wounding in 1 Kgs 18:28.
- 2 Kings 17:17 (thematic): Lists pagan rites adopted by Israel (sacrificing children, divination, occult practices); thematically parallels the apostasy and cultic practices exemplified by the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.
Alternative generated candidates
- They cried aloud and prophesied according to their custom; they cut themselves with knives and lances until blood gushed upon them.
- And they cried aloud and cut themselves according to their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.
1 K.18.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כעבר: PREP
- הצהרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויתנבאו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,pl
- עד: PREP
- לעלות: VERB,qal,inf
- המנחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- ענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- קשב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:26 (verbal): Same Mount Carmel scene and wording — the prophets of Baal call from morning until the time of the offering (no effective answer), providing a close verbal and narrative parallel.
- 1 Kings 18:27 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Elijah mocks the prophets at noon and taunts their god, continuing the structural sequence that results in no response from Baal's prophets.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Describes idols as mute and powerless ('their idols are silver and gold... mouths have they, but they speak not'), thematically echoing the 'no voice, no answer' motif.
- Jeremiah 10:5 (verbal): Uses similar language about lifeless idols ('they have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not'), a close verbal parallel to the silence of Baal in 1 Kgs 18:29.
- 1 Samuel 28:6 (thematic): Depicts a situation where inquiry to God meets with silence ('the LORD answered him not'), paralleling the theme of a sought-for divine response that does not come.
Alternative generated candidates
- As noon passed, they prophesied until the time of the offering, but there was no voice, no answer, and no one paid heed.
- And as midday passed they prophesied until the time of the offering of the offering, but there was no voice, no answer, and no one paid heed.
1 K.18.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- גשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויגשו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וירפא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ההרוס: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kgs. 18:36-38 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after Elijah rebuilt the altar he prays and the LORD sends fire—the repair and the people's proximity lead directly to the theophany (same scene, same sequence).
- Josh. 8:30-31 (structural): Joshua builds an altar on a mountain (Ebal) and performs covenantal rites before the assembly—parallels the motif of constructing/repairing an altar on high ground with the people gathered to witness covenantal worship.
- 2 Chron. 34:8-11 (thematic): King Josiah organizes repairs of the LORD's house and gathers the elders and all the people to the work and covenant renewal—similar theme of restoring sacred space and assembling the people for cultic renewal.
- Ezra 3:2-7 (verbal): After the return from exile the people re-erect the altar and resume burnt offerings; language and action (setting up/rebuilding the altar and resuming sacrifice with the assembled community) closely parallel Elijah’s repair of the LORD's altar.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." And all the people came near to him. He repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.
- Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was thrown down.
1 K.18.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אבנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כמספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 24:4 (verbal): Moses builds an altar and sets up twelve pillars 'according to the twelve tribes of Israel'—language and the motif of twelve stones/pillars parallel Elijah's twelve stones.
- Joshua 4:1-9 (structural): Joshua takes twelve stones from the Jordan and sets them up as a memorial for the twelve tribes—same ritual action and memorial function as Elijah's twelve stones.
- Deuteronomy 27:2-8 (thematic): Command to set up stones on Mount Ebal, plaster them and write the law—uses stones as covenantal/memorial markers, thematically akin to Elijah's stone monument.
- 1 Samuel 7:12 (thematic): Samuel sets up the Ebenezer stone as a witness to God's help—another instance of erecting a stone as a commemorative sign of divine action.
- Genesis 32:28 (allusion): God renames Jacob 'Israel'—connects to the verse's reference to 'to whom the word of the LORD came... Israel shall be your name', linking the twelve stones to the tribal name 'Israel.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, "Israel shall be your name."
- Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, "Israel shall be your name."
1 K.18.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- האבנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- תעלה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כבית: PREP+NOUN,ms,sg,abs
- סאתים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סביב: ADV
- למזבח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:30 (structural): Immediate antecedent in the same pericope — Elijah sets the stones to begin the altar-building for Yahweh.
- 1 Kings 18:33 (structural): Immediate continuation — describes the trench around the altar and the pouring of water (fulfilling the detail of the seah-sized trench).
- Deuteronomy 27:5-6 (verbal): Mosaic instruction to build an altar of uncut (non-hewn) stones on which no iron tool has been used — parallels the practice of erecting a stone altar for Yahweh.
- Joshua 8:30-31 (thematic): Joshua erects an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal in obedience to Moses’ command, paralleling the building of a stone altar to the LORD.
- Exodus 20:24-25 (verbal): God’s prescription for altars of earth or unhewn stones and prohibition against using iron tools — relates to the form and manner of altar construction referenced in 1 Kgs 18:32.
Alternative generated candidates
- He built the stones into an altar in the name of the LORD, and made a trench about the altar as large as would contain two seahs of seed.
- And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed.
1 K.18.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויערך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וינתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Genesis 22:9 (verbal): Abraham 'laid the wood in order' on the altar—echoes the arranging of the wood and sacrificial motif (similar verb and image).
- Leviticus 1:6 (verbal): Instruction for a burnt offering: 'and he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces'—directly parallels the cutting of the bull into pieces for sacrifice.
- Genesis 8:20 (thematic): Noah builds an altar and offers animal sacrifices after the flood—shares the theme of preparing animals and wood for a sacrificial altar.
- Judges 13:19-20 (thematic): Manoah offers a burnt offering on a rock and the LORD appears/consumes—comparable ritual preparation and divine response imagery.
- 1 Kings 18:38 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation where fire falls and consumes the wood and offering—connects this verse's preparation directly to the miraculous outcome.
Alternative generated candidates
- He arranged the wood, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood.
- He arranged the wood, cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood.
1 K.18.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- כדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויצקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שנו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- וישנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שלשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- וישלשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:33 (verbal): Immediate parallel/preceding clause: the same action of filling vessels and pouring water on the wood and altar is described in nearly identical language.
- 1 Kings 18:36-38 (structural): Direct continuation: Elijah prays and fire from heaven consumes the drenched offering—these verses complete the narrative purpose of the repeated pouring of water.
- Judges 6:20-21 (thematic): Gideon’s offering is consumed by divine fire as a sign—parallels the motif of heavenly fire consuming a sacrifice as confirmation of God’s presence.
- Judges 13:20 (thematic): The angel’s fire consumes the offering and ascends from the altar, a similar trope of divine fire acting on a sacrifice and confirming a theophany.
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-2 (thematic): At Solomon’s dedication fire comes down from heaven and consumes the burnt offering and sacrifices—parallels the temple-confirming heavenly fire that validates worship and God’s acceptance.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he said, "Fill four jars with water." And they filled them and poured the water on the burnt offering and on the wood. He said, "Do it again," and they did it again. He said, "Do it a third time," and they did it a third time.
- And he said, "Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood." And he said, "Do it a second time." So they did it a second time. He said, "Do it a third time." So they did it a third time.
1 K.18.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- סביב: ADV
- למזבח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגם: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- התעלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מלא: ADJ,m,sg
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:33 (verbal): Immediate parallel (variant numbering) that explicitly describes digging around the altar and filling the trench with water—the same action/phrase as in 1 Kgs 18:35.
- 1 Kings 18:36-38 (structural): Direct continuation of the scene: Elijah prays and the LORD sends fire that consumes the offering and the drenched altar, completing the narrative significance of the water-filled trench.
- Leviticus 9:24 (verbal): At the inauguration of the priesthood fire comes out from the LORD and consumes the burnt offering on the altar—verbal and ritual parallel to divine fire accepting a sacrifice.
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-2 (thematic): At Solomon’s temple dedication fire from heaven consumes the sacrifices and the glory of the LORD appears—thematic parallel showing divine vindication/manifestation by consuming fire.
Alternative generated candidates
- The water ran round about the altar and filled even the trench with water.
- And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.
1 K.18.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בעלות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המנחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנביא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יודע: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ובדברך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUF:2,m,sg
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 3:6 (verbal): Same patriarchal formula (God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) used to identify God's covenant identity—Elijah invokes this title to ground his appeal to God.
- Mark 12:26 (quotation): Jesus cites Exodus 3 (the 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' wording) to make a theological point; shows continuity in using the patriarchal title to establish God's ongoing relationship with Israel, as Elijah does.
- Psalm 116:16 (verbal): The psalmist's phrase 'O LORD, I am your servant' echoes Elijah's self-designation as God's servant, a common prayer posture expressing dependence and obedience.
- 1 Kings 18:37 (structural): Immediate literary parallel within the same scene: Elijah's petition is immediately followed by God's response (fire falls), showing the prayer–miracle structure and the purpose of Elijah's declaration.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant, and that by your word I have done these things.
- And at the time of the offering of the sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.
1 K.18.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ענני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ענני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- הסבת: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- לבם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- אחרנית: ADV
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:35 (verbal): Moses declares that the signs and laws were given so that the people might know that the LORD is God—echoes the petition ‘that this people may know that you, LORD, are God.’
- Deuteronomy 30:6 (allusion): Speaks of the LORD circumcising and turning hearts back to Himself; parallels Elijah’s appeal that God has ‘turned their heart back again.’
- Isaiah 37:20 (thematic): Hezekiah’s prayer asks God to save Judah so that all kingdoms may know that Yahweh alone is God—similar motive of praying for a divine demonstration so people will recognize God’s sovereignty.
- Judges 6:36–40 (thematic): Gideon’s request for a sign (the fleece) to confirm God’s action and persuade Israel parallels Elijah’s appeal for a miraculous sign to cause the people to know and return to the LORD.
- 1 Kings 18:39 (structural): Immediate narrative result of Elijah’s prayer: the people fall on their faces and acknowledge the LORD—this passage completes and confirms the petition of 18:37.
Alternative generated candidates
- Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God and that you have turned their heart back again."
- Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again."
1 K.18.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- ואת: CONJ
- העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- האבנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- העפר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בתעלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- לחכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 9:24 (verbal): Fire from the LORD came out and consumed the burnt offering on the altar—uses similar language of divine fire accepting/consuming a sacrifice.
- Judges 6:21 (verbal): Fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the offering (meat and cakes)—another theophany where God’s fire miraculously consumes a sacrifice.
- 2 Chronicles 7:1 (thematic): Fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple—parallels divine acceptance of sacrifice and heavenly fire.
- 1 Chronicles 21:26 (verbal): David built an altar and the LORD answered by fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering—same motif of heavenly fire consuming sacrifice.
- Hebrews 12:29 (thematic): God is called a 'consuming fire,' a theological summary that echoes OT scenes of divine fire (e.g., 1 Kgs 18:38) demonstrating God’s holiness and power.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench.
- Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
1 K.18.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- פניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 34:8 (thematic): Moses falls on his face and worships after encountering God's revelation—paralleling the people's prostrate worship before Yahweh after the display of divine power.
- 2 Chronicles 20:18 (verbal): The people fall prostrate before the LORD in response to prophetic leadership and deliverance, mirroring the communal posture of submission in 1 Kgs 18:39.
- 2 Chronicles 7:3 (verbal): The assembled people bow with faces to the ground and worship and praise the LORD—language and act closely parallel the crowd’s response on Mount Carmel.
- Psalm 95:6 (thematic): An exhortation to come, bow down, and worship the LORD—echoes the cultic posture and acknowledgement 'the LORD is God' expressed by the people.
- Matthew 14:33 (thematic): After Jesus stills the storm, those in the boat worship him, declaring his identity—parallels the recognition of divine authority and the accompanying act of worship in 1 Kgs 18:39.
Alternative generated candidates
- When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The LORD—he is God; the LORD—he is God."
- When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God."
1 K.18.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- תפשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- נביאי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ימלט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויתפשום: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויורדם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קישון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישחטם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Kings 10:25-28 (thematic): Jehu gathers the worshipers and priests of Baal into the temple and slaughters them — a later, closely parallel purge of Baal worship similar in motive and method to Elijah’s execution of the prophets of Baal.
- Exodus 32:25-29 (structural): After the Golden Calf incident Moses commands the Levites to slay idolaters (about 3,000); an earlier precedent for communal, divinely sanctioned punishment of those who engaged in idolatry.
- Deuteronomy 13:12-18 (thematic): The law prescribes destroying a city and putting its inhabitants to the sword if they lead Israel into idolatry — a legal/theological background for harsh measures against promoters of false worship.
- Judges 6:25-32 (thematic): Gideon’s tearing down of the altar of Baal and cutting of the Asherah pole demonstrates an earlier Israelite pattern of leaders violently purging Baal worship from the land.
- 2 Chronicles 34:3-7 (thematic): King Josiah’s reforms—removing and destroying altars to foreign gods and purging idolatrous utensils—parallel Elijah’s zealous cleansing of Baal’s cult from Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape." They seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slew them there.
- And Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape." And they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and struck them down there.
1 K.18.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאחאב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ושתה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגשם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:44 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the servant sees a small cloud that grows into the heavy rain promised by Elijah's announcement.
- 1 Kings 17:1 (structural): Earlier episode where Elijah declares the drought that his later prayer/announcement reverses; sets the crisis resolved by 18:41–45.
- James 5:17-18 (quotation): New Testament citation of Elijah's prayer: James recalls Elijah praying to stop the rain and then praying to bring it back, linking Elijah's ministry to apostolic teaching on prayer.
- Amos 4:7 (thematic): Prophetic motif of God withholding rain as judgment (and, by implication, later restoring it); thematically parallels Elijah's role in drought and restoration.
- Psalm 147:8 (thematic): Psalm celebrates God's control over clouds and provision of rain for the earth—echoes the theological idea behind Elijah's pronouncement of impending rain.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of a heavy rain."
- And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain."
1 K.18.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעלה: VERB,qal,wayyiq,3,m,sg
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאכל: INF,qal
- ולשתות: VERB,qal,inf
- ואליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכרמל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- ויגהר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- בין: PREP
- ברכיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+sfx3,m
Parallels
- 1Kgs.18.41 (structural): Immediate context: Elijah sends Ahab to eat and drink before he goes up Carmel to pray — the preceding clause to v.42 and part of the same scene.
- 1Kgs.18.43-44 (structural): Direct continuation: Elijah prays from the summit, sends his servant seven times to look for a cloud, and then a rain comes — showing the purpose/result of his prostration.
- Exod.34.8 (thematic): Moses 'bowed to the ground' and worshiped after God's revelation — parallel gesture of prostration and humble worship before God.
- Dan.9.3 (verbal): Daniel 'set his face' toward the Lord to seek Him by prayer and supplications — similar language of fixing one's face in prayerful devotion.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ahab went up to eat and to drink; and Elijah went up to the top of Carmel. He put his face between his knees and lay down.
- So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel; and he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees.
1 K.18.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- נערו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- הבט: VERB,piel,impv,2,m,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויבט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אין: PART,neg
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 8:6-12 (thematic): Noah sends out a bird repeatedly and waits seven-day intervals to see if the waters have abated — parallel motif of repeated checking/looking and patience before the sign of deliverance.
- 1 Kings 18:44 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: on the seventh time the servant reports a small cloud and Elijah announces coming rain — completes the action begun in 18:43.
- James 5:17-18 (allusion): The NT explicitly cites Elijah’s prayer as effecting rain; this links the servant’s repeated looking and Elijah’s anticipation here with the later theological reflection on Elijah’s prophetic power.
- Joshua 6:15-16 (structural): The ‘seventh time/day’ motif as the climactic turning point (here and in the fall of Jericho) — similar structural use of repeated actions culminating on the seventh iteration.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to his servant, "Go, look toward the sea." He went up and looked and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Go again seven times."
- Then he said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." And he went up and looked and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Return seven times."
1 K.18.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בשבעית: PREP
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- עב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קטנה: ADJ,f,sg
- ככף: PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אסר: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ורד: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יעצרכה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הגשם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:41 (structural): Immediate context: Elijah tells Ahab to eat and hold on because he senses rain — sets up the observation of the small cloud in 18:44.
- 1 Kings 17:1 (thematic): Elijah's earlier prophecy that there would be no rain establishes the drought which is ended by the cloud/rain reported in 18:44–45; conceptually frames the miracle.
- James 5:17-18 (quotation): Direct New Testament reference to Elijah's prayer stopping and later restoring rain; explicitly cites Elijah's intercession as causing the end of the drought.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 (thematic): Uses the imagery of rain/snow sent from heaven accomplishing God's purpose — parallels theologically how the small cloud presages God’s restoring rain after drought.
- 2 Kings 5:10-14 (thematic): The motif of 'seven' as a completing/ritual number (Naaman dipping seven times) echoes Elijah's servant looking seven times, both signaling a turning point toward restoration.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea." He said, "Go, tell Ahab, 'Harness and go down before the rain stops you.'"
- On the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud, like a man's hand, is rising from the sea." And he said, "Go, tell Ahab, 'Hitch up and go down, lest the rain stop you.'"
1 K.18.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- כה: ADV
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- כה: ADV
- והשמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- התקדרו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
- עבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ורוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גשם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וירכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יזרעאלה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 18:44 (verbal): Same episode — the sky forming a small cloud; language and imagery of cloud formation directly parallel the report here that the heavens were darkened with clouds.
- 1 Kgs 18:46 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation — after the rain begins, Elijah's energized action and the race to Jezreel mirror Ahab's riding to Jezreel in 18:45.
- James 5:17-18 (quotation): New Testament citation of the Elijah episode: Elijah prayed and the heavens withheld rain, then prayed again and heaven gave rain — explicitly alludes to this event.
- Deuteronomy 11:14 (thematic): Promised divine sending of rain in its season as a sign of covenantal blessing — parallels theme of YHWH bringing abundant rain after drought.
Alternative generated candidates
- By this time the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.
- And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.
1 K.18.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויד: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישנס: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מתניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff3,m
- וירץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- באכה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יזרעאלה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:41 (structural): Immediate context: Elijah goes up to pray for rain on Mount Carmel, initiating the sequence that ends with him running ahead of Ahab.
- 1 Kings 18:45 (structural): Direct narrative continuation: a great rain and wind arise, setting the scene for Elijah's swift movement and Ahab's return to Jezreel.
- 1 Kings 19:3-4 (thematic): Contrasting episode: Elijah flees in fear from Jezebel and runs to Beersheba—contrast between empowered prophetic haste (18:46) and later flight.
- 2 Kings 2:11-14 (thematic): Running and pursuit motif in the prophetic succession: Elisha runs after Elijah and calls out, linking the motif of prophetic movement and transfer of authority.
- Habakkuk 3:19 (verbal): Divine enablement of swift feet language ('he makes my feet like hinds' feet')—a theological parallel to God empowering Elijah's rapid movement.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; he girded up his loins and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
- Then the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, "Is it you who trouble Israel?"
Elijah answered, "I have not troubled Israel; but you and your father's house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and gone after the Baals. Now therefore send and gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of Asherah four hundred—who eat at Jezebel's table."
Ahab sent throughout all Israel and gathered the prophets to Mount Carmel.
Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, follow him." The people made no answer to him.
Elijah said to the people, "I alone remain a prophet of the LORD, but the prophets of Baal are four hundred and fifty men.
Let two bulls be given us; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire under it.
You call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, he is God. And all the people answered, "It is well spoken."
Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose for yourselves one bull, and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under it."
They took the bull that was given them and prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice and no answer. They limped about the altar that they had made.
At noon Elijah mocked them and said, "Cry aloud—for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey; perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened."
They cried aloud and cut themselves according to their custom with knives and lances until the blood gushed upon them. And at noon they prophesied until the time of the offering of the oblation; but there was no voice, no answer, and no regard paid.
Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." And all the people came near to him. He repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.
Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, "Israel shall be your name."
He built the stones into an altar in the name of the LORD, and made a trench about the altar, large enough to hold two measures of seed.
He put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood.
He said, "Fill four jars with water," and they filled them and poured the water on the burnt offering and on the wood. He said, "Do it a second time," and they did it a second time. He said, "Do it a third time," and they did it a third time.
The water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.
At the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your word.
Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again."
Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God."
Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape." They seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.
Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of abundance of rain." So Ahab went up to eat and drink. Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel, and he bent down to the earth and put his face between his knees.
He said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." He went up and looked and said, "There is nothing." He said, "Go again seven times."
At the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea." He said, "Go, tell Ahab, 'Harness your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.'"
In a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.
The hand of the LORD was on Elijah. He girded up his loins and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.