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1 Kings 18:22

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1 Kings 18:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.

King James Version KJV

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

American Standard Version ASV

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, am left a prophet of Jehovah; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Elijah said to the people, I, even I, am the only living prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Elijah told them, “I am the only one left of the Lord's prophets—just me alone—but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then said Eliiah vnto the people, I onely remayne a Prophet of the Lord: but Baals prophets are foure hundreth and fiftie men.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Elijah saith unto the people, 'I — I have been left a prophet of Jehovah — by myself; and the prophets of Baal [are] four hundred and fifty men;

World English Bible WEB

Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left as a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred fifty men.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said Elijah to the people, I even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophet's are four hundred and fifty men.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Elias said again to the people: I only remain a prophet of the Lord: but the prophets of Baal are four hundred and fifty men.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only true prophet of Yahweh who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:22

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 18:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ֙ אֶל הָ/עָ֔ם אֲנִ֞י נוֹתַ֧רְתִּי נָבִ֛יא לַ/יהוָ֖ה לְ/בַדִּ֑/י וּ/נְבִיאֵ֣י הַ/בַּ֔עַל אַרְבַּע מֵא֥וֹת וַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים אִֽישׁ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ֙ ʼÊlîyâh H452 Elijah N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
נוֹתַ֧רְתִּי yâthar H3498 to remain V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
נָבִ֛יא nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet N-ms
לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
לְ/בַדִּ֑/י bad H905 alone Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/נְבִיאֵ֣י nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Conj | N-mp
הַ/בַּ֔עַל Baʻal H1168 Baal Art | N-proper
אַרְבַּע ʼarbaʻ H702 four Adj
מֵא֥וֹת mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj
וַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים chămishshîym H2572 fifty Conj | Adj
אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:22

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ֙ ʼÊlîyâh H452 "Elijah" N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
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.
הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
נוֹתַ֧רְתִּי yâthar H3498 "to remain" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
נָבִ֛יא nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" N-ms
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.
לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/בַדִּ֑/י bad H905 "alone" Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
וּ/נְבִיאֵ֣י nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Conj | 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.
הַ/בַּ֔עַל Baʻal H1168 "Baal" Art | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
אַרְבַּע ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
מֵא֥וֹת mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים chămishshîym H2572 "fifty" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 19:10 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”
2 1 Kings 19:14 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”
3 2 Timothy 4:3–4 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
4 1 Kings 20:38 and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
5 Romans 11:3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well” ?
6 1 Kings 20:13 Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this entire great army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this very day, and you will know that I am the LORD.’”
7 1 Kings 20:35 Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him.
8 1 Kings 18:19–20 Now 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.” So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.
9 Matthew 7:13–15 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
10 1 Kings 20:32 So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”

1 Kings 18:22 Summary

This verse shows us that Elijah, a prophet of God, was standing alone against many prophets of a false god named Baal. Elijah was not afraid to say that he believed in the one true God, even when it seemed like everyone else believed in something else, much like the faith of Abraham as seen in Romans 4:20-22. He trusted that God would show His power and prove that He is the real God, which is a principle seen in Isaiah 48:17 where God teaches for our benefit. This teaches us to stand up for what we believe in, even if we are the only one, and to trust in God's power and promises, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Elijah mean by saying he is the only remaining prophet of the LORD?

Elijah is emphasizing that he stands alone as a prophet of the one true God, in stark contrast to the multitude of prophets serving Baal, as seen in 1 Kings 18:22, and this highlights the spiritual state of Israel at the time, reminiscent of Isaiah 59:16 where the prophet Isaiah also stood alone in his devotion to God.

Why does Elijah mention the number of Baal's prophets?

By mentioning the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, Elijah is underscoring the overwhelming opposition he faces, yet he trusts in the power of the one true God, as seen in 1 Kings 18:22, and this trust is rooted in the promise of Deuteronomy 32:4 that God is the Rock, His works are perfect.

Is Elijah being arrogant by saying he is the only prophet of the LORD?

Elijah's statement is not one of arrogance but of conviction and faith, for he knows that the LORD is the one true God, as stated in Exodus 20:3, and he is willing to stand alone for this truth, trusting in God's power and promise as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-19.

What can we learn from Elijah's boldness in the face of overwhelming opposition?

We can learn from Elijah's example that standing for the truth, even when it's unpopular, is crucial, and this is echoed in Matthew 10:32-33 where Jesus teaches about confessing Him before men, and in 1 Peter 3:15 where we are instructed to be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the areas in my life where I am wavering between two opinions, and how can I apply Elijah's challenge to myself?
  2. How can I, like Elijah, stand firm in my faith despite being surrounded by those who do not share my beliefs, and what does 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 teach about watching, standing fast in the faith, and being brave?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in the one true God in the face of opposition or adversity, reflecting on Psalm 23:4 where David trusts in God's presence?
  4. What does this verse teach about the importance of not compromising one's faith, and how can I apply this lesson in my daily life, considering 2 Corinthians 6:14-17?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:22

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only remain a prophet of the Lord,.... At least as he thought, all the rest being slain, as he supposed; however there were none present but himself: but

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:22

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:22

I only remain, to wit, here present, publicly to own and plead the cause of God; for he opposeth himself only to Baal’ s four’ hundred and fifty prophets, because they only were present; the prophets of the groves being, it seems, not permitted by Jezebel (through her pride, or obstinacy, or care and kindness to them) to go thither. See . As for the other prophets of the Lord, many of them were slain by Ahab or Jezebel, others banished, or hid in caves.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:22

1 Kings 18:22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, [even] I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’ s prophets [are] four hundred and fifty men.Ver. 22. I, even I, only remain.] So Paphnutius in the Nicene Council carried it for the truth. So before him, did Nicodemus, as after, Athanasius and Luther, qui totius orbis impetum soli sustinuerunt. God is the more seen in such cases.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:22

Verse 22. I only, remain a prophet of the Lord] That is, I am the only prophet of God present, and can have but the influence of an individual; while the prophets of Baal are four hundred and fifty men! It appears that the queen's prophets, amounting to four hundred, were not at this great assembly; and these are they whom we meet with 1Kg 22:6, and whom the king consulted relative to the battle at Ramoth-gilead.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:22

22. I, even I only, remain] R.V. am left. As in 1 Kings 19:10 for the same word. Elijah means that he is the only one who now stands forward in Jehovah’s name. No doubt there were others of those saved by Obadiah and in other ways, but in such dangerous days they kept out of sight. The scene on Carmel is full of sublimity. Elijah alone against the host of Baal-priests, and with the calm dignity befitting so solemn a time, in the midst of them all, proceeding to repair the broken altar of the Lord. The LXX. adds at the close of this verse ‘and the prophets of the grove four hundred.’

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:22

I, even I, only remain - He means, “I only remain in the exercise of the office of a prophet.” The others (Compare 1 Kings 18:4) had been forced to fly and hide themselves in dens and caves of the

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:22

22. I only — Strange contrast, and, apparently, unequal contest! Other true prophets may have been hidden in caves, (1 Kings 18:4,) but Elijah alone appeared for Jehovah on this occasion.

Sermons on 1 Kings 18:22

SermonDescription
Aldy Fam Fanous Mid South Conference 1981-01 What Doest Thou Here ? by Aldy Fam Fanous In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fellowship and communion with the Lord as the secret to power and strength in the Christian experience. He observes that l
Brian Long The Form or the Fire by Brian Long In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of wavering and being undecided in one's faith. He highlights how many people in the world see the church as having form and progra
T. Austin-Sparks Alone? - Not Alone! by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the importance of acknowledging and learning from the weaknesses of great servants of God like Elijah, Moses, David, and Peter, emphasizing that God's
Ian Goligher Weeping for Souls by Ian Goligher In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart and a broken spirit when delivering the message of God. He uses the examples of Elisha and Jeremiah,
St. John Chrysostom Homily 17 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the life of Moses, highlighting how God raised him up as a ruler and deliverer despite the rejection and disobedience of the Israelites. He emphasize
Arno Clemens Gaebelein The Remnant-Israel's Apostasy Not Complete by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the historical evidence of God's faithfulness to His people Israel, using the example of Elijah and the remnant of believers as proof that God
T. Austin-Sparks Standing Firm in the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the Lord, using the imagery of the Tabernacle's boards made of acacia wood that remained standing even when stripped
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