1 Kings 18:20
1 Kings 18:20 in Multiple Translations
So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.
So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.
So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.
So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and got the prophets together at Mount Carmel.
So Ahab summoned all of Israel and also gathered the prophets on Mount Carmel.
So Ahab sent vnto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together vnto mount Carmel.
And Ahab sendeth among all the sons of Israel, and gathereth the prophets unto the mount of Carmel;
So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel.
So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets to mount Carmel.
Achab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered together the prophets unto mount Carmel.
So Ahab summoned all his prophets and all the other Israeli people to the top of Carmel Mountain, and Elijah went up there too.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֥ח
אַחְאָ֖ב
בְּ/כָל
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֥ץ
אֶת
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֖ים
אֶל
הַ֥ר
הַ/כַּרְמֶֽל
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחְאָ֖ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֥ץ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֖ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ֥ר
har
H2022
mountain
N-ms
הַ/כַּרְמֶֽל
Karmel
H3760
Carmel
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:20
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אַחְאָ֖ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֥ץ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֖ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ֥ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
הַ/כַּרְמֶֽל
Karmel
H3760
"Carmel"
Art | N-proper
Mount Carmel is a hill and town in northern Israel, described in the Bible as a fruitful and plentiful field, as seen in 1 Kings 18. The name means garden-land.
Definition: § Carmel = "garden-land" a mountain on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel, just below Haifa
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Carmel, fruitful (plentiful) field, (place). See also: Joshua 12:22; 2 Kings 2:25; Isaiah 33:9.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:20
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:20
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:20
Context — Elijah on Mount Carmel
18“I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.
19Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
20So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.
21Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. 22Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 22:9 | So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.” |
1 Kings 18:20 Summary
In 1 Kings 18:20, Ahab gathers all the Israelites and the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, setting the stage for a showdown between the LORD and the false gods. This event shows how God can use even unlikely people, like Ahab, to accomplish His purposes. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to trust God to demonstrate His power in our own lives, just as He did on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:21-40). By following the LORD with all our heart, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5, we can avoid 'following Baal' and instead experience the joy and freedom that comes from serving the one true God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahab summon all the Israelites to Mount Carmel?
Ahab summoned all the Israelites to Mount Carmel because Elijah instructed him to do so in 1 Kings 18:19, in order to settle the issue of who is the true God, the LORD or Baal.
What was the significance of assembling the prophets on Mount Carmel?
Assembling the prophets on Mount Carmel was significant because it brought together the prophets of Baal and Asherah, who were opposed to the LORD, and Elijah, the prophet of the LORD, to demonstrate whose God was truly powerful, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21-40.
How does this event relate to the broader context of Israel's history?
This event is part of the larger story of Israel's rebellion against the LORD and their pursuit of idolatry, as warned against in Deuteronomy 6:14-15 and demonstrated in 1 Kings 18:18.
What can we learn from Ahab's obedience to Elijah's request?
Ahab's obedience to Elijah's request shows that even in the midst of rebellion, God can use unexpected people to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Romans 11:25-26 and 1 Kings 18:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am 'wavering between two opinions' like the Israelites, and how can I take a stand for the LORD?
- How can I, like Elijah, boldly proclaim the truth of God's Word in the face of opposition and unbelief?
- What are some 'Mount Carmel' moments in my life where I need to trust God to demonstrate His power and authority?
- How can I ensure that I am not 'following Baal' in my own life, but instead following the LORD with all my heart, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:20
So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel,.... By messengers, requiring their attendance at Mount Carmel at such a time, at least their chief and principal men: and gathered the prophets together
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:20
So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:20
He complied with Elijah’ s motion; partly, because it was so fair and reasonable, that he could not refuse it with honour, nor without the discontent of all his people, this being proposed in order to their deliverance from this terrible famine; partly, because the urgency of the present distress made him willing to try all means to remove it; partly, from a curiosity of seeing some extraordinary events; and principally, because God inclined his heart to close with it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:20
1 Kings 18:20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.Ver. 20. Unto mount Carmel.] Where the Papists say that Elias used to live a monastic retired life; and thereupon they call an order of their friars Carmelites. A mere fancy.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:20
Local tradition places the site of Elijah’s sacrifice, not on the highest point of the mountain (1,728 ft.), but at the southeastern extremity (1,600 ft.) of the ridge, where a shapeless ruin,
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
2017 the Year When We Decide by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the critical decision-making moment in 2017 for individuals and the nation, drawing parallels to the people of Israel in 1 Kings 18 who were torn between two |
|
America Revival or Ruin by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of paying attention to God's warnings and judgments. He highlights the severity of God's judgments, such as pestilence, war, |
|
Three Battlefronts: Deception by Scott Moreau | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discipleship and the potential pitfalls of turning it into a business. They emphasize the need for discipleship to be a livi |