1 Kings 18:28
1 Kings 18:28 in Multiple Translations
So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them.
And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.
And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lances, till the blood gushed out upon them.
So they gave loud cries, cutting themselves with knives and swords, as was their way, till the blood came streaming out all over them.
They shouted even louder and cut themselves with swords and spears until they bled. This was their usual way of worshiping.
And they cryed loude, and cut them selues as their maner was, with kniues and launcers, till the blood gushed out vpon them.
And they call with a loud voice, and cut themselves, according to their ordinance, with swords and with spears, till a flowing of blood [is] on them;
They cried aloud, and cut themselves in their way with knives and lances until the blood gushed out on them.
And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.
So they cried with a loud voice, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till they were all covered with blood.
So they shouted louder. Then, doing one of the things that they frequently did when they worshiped Baal, they slashed/cut themselves with knives and swords until a lot of blood flowed.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:28
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 18:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
גָּד֔וֹל
וַ/יִּתְגֹּֽדְדוּ֙
כְּ/מִשְׁפָּטָ֔/ם
בַּ/חֲרָב֖וֹת
וּ/בָֽ/רְמָחִ֑ים
עַד
שְׁפָךְ
דָּ֖ם
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וַ/יִּתְגֹּֽדְדוּ֙
gâdad
H1413
to cut
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-3mp
כְּ/מִשְׁפָּטָ֔/ם
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בַּ/חֲרָב֖וֹת
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fp
וּ/בָֽ/רְמָחִ֑ים
rômach
H7420
spear
Conj | Prep | N-mp
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
שְׁפָךְ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Inf-a
דָּ֖ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
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 18:28
וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וַ/יִּתְגֹּֽדְדוּ֙
gâdad
H1413
"to cut"
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-3mp
To cut or crowd is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, which can also mean to gather in troops or attack, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent 'gedad'.
Definition: 1) to penetrate, cut, attack, invade 1a) (Qal) to penetrate, cut into 1b)(Hithpoel) 1b1) to cut oneself 1b2) to gather in troops or crowds Aramaic equivalent: ge.dad (גְּדַד "to chop" H1414)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves by troops), gather (selves together, self in troops), cut selves. See also: Deuteronomy 14:1; Jeremiah 16:6; Psalms 94:21.
כְּ/מִשְׁפָּטָ֔/ם
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
בַּ/חֲרָב֖וֹת
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fp
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וּ/בָֽ/רְמָחִ֑ים
rômach
H7420
"spear"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a spear or lance, especially the iron point. It is translated as buckler, javelin, lancet, or spear in the KJV Bible.
Definition: spear, lance
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: buckler, javelin, lancet, spear. See also: Numbers 25:7; 2 Chronicles 25:5; Jeremiah 46:4.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
שְׁפָךְ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
דָּ֖ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:28
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:28
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:28
Context — Elijah on Mount Carmel
26And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made.
27At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!”
28So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them.
29Midday passed, and they kept on raving until the time of the evening sacrifice. But there was no response; no one answered, no one paid attention. 30Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people approached him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:28 | You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 14:1 | You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead, |
| 3 | Mark 5:5 | Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones. |
| 4 | Mark 9:22 | “It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” |
| 5 | Micah 6:7 | Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? |
1 Kings 18:28 Summary
[In 1 Kings 18:28, the prophets of Baal are desperately trying to get their god to respond, but their efforts are in vain. This verse shows us the sad consequences of worshiping a false god, and how it can lead to darkness and desperation. In contrast, the Bible teaches us to worship the one true God in spirit and truth, as Jesus says in John 4:24. By turning to Him, we can experience true peace and joy, rather than the emptiness and harm that comes from idolatry.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the prophets of Baal cut themselves with knives and lances in 1 Kings 18:28?
The prophets of Baal cut themselves as part of their frantic and desperate attempt to get a response from their god, which is a stark contrast to the true God of the Bible who does not require such extreme measures, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:31 and Leviticus 19:28.
What does this verse reveal about the nature of false worship?
This verse exposes the darkness and desperation of false worship, where people resort to self-mutilation and frenzy, unlike the peaceful and joyful worship of the one true God, as described in Psalm 100:1-5 and John 4:24.
How does Elijah's taunting in the previous verse contribute to the prophets' actions in 1 Kings 18:28?
Elijah's taunting in 1 Kings 18:27 goads the prophets into even more frantic and extreme behavior, highlighting their foolishness and the emptiness of their worship, much like the foolishness of idol worship described in Isaiah 44:9-20.
What lesson can be learned from the prophets' actions in this verse?
The prophets' actions serve as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of seeking the one true God, who is worthy of reverence and worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5 and Matthew 4:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be 'shouting louder' or trying to force a response from God in my own life, and how can I instead wait patiently on Him?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the 'customs' or practices in my own life that might be leading me away from true worship, and how can I align them with God's Word?
- How can I distinguish between the true worship of God and the false worship of idols in my own life, and what are some potential 'idols' that I might be unknowingly worshiping?
- What are some areas in my life where I might be 'cutting myself' or causing harm to myself through sinful patterns or habits, and how can I seek God's healing and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:28
And they cried aloud,.... Trying to make him hear, if possible: and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them; so the priests of Heathen deities
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:28
And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
They cried aloud; as if Elijah had spoken the truth, and their god needed rousing. Cut themselves; mingling their own blood with their sacrifices; as knowing by experience, that nothing was more acceptable to their Baal (which was indeed the devil) than human blood, and hoping hereby to move their god to pity and help them. And this indeed was the practice of divers heathens in the worship of their false gods, as is manifest both from Scripture, as , and from the express testimonies of Plutarch, Lucian, Apuleius, and many others.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
1 Kings 18:28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.Ver. 28. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves.] To their vocis intentio, they added cutis incisio - and this they had learned of their heathen neighbours - but all would not do. Till the blood gushed out upon them.] This they did by the instigation of that old manslayer, who delighteth in sucking man’ s blood, the blood of souls especially. He it is that set awork the priests of Cybele to do the like, and still the Flagellatores among the Papists, who, the week before Easter, whip themselves till the blood followeth, as also the Turkish priests, whose custom is to wound and lance themselves, qua satisfactione existimant se praestare Deo culturm ex opere operato, saith mine author, wherein they think they do God singular good service.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
(28) Lancets—should be lances. This self-mutilation, common in Oriental frenzy, was possibly a portion, or a survival, of human sacrifice, in the notion that self-torture and shedding of human blood must win Divine favour—a delusion not confined to heathen religions, though excusable only in them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
Verse 28. They cried aloud] The poor fools acted as they were bidden. And cut themselves after their manner] This was done according to the rites of that barbarous religion; if the blood of the bullock would not move him they thought their own blood might; and with it they smeared themselves and their sacrifice. This was not only the custom of the idolatrous Israelites, but of the Syrians, Persians, Greeks, Indians, and in short of all the heathen world.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:28
28. And they cried aloud] Not recognizing the mockery of Elijah, but admitting that Baal might be overtaken by the necessities or occupations implied in the prophet’s words. after their manner] For devotees to wound and mutilate themselves in the worship of their divinities was common in other cults beside that of Baal and Ashêrah. with knives and lancets] R.V. lances. The former of these nouns is commonly rendered ‘sword,’ though it is also used of other instruments for cutting, as of a razor (Ezekiel 5:1), and an axe (Ezekiel 26:9). The second is constantly employed for ‘spear’ in connexion with ‘shield’ of a fully-armed soldier. The Baal-dance was most likely performed by the chief devotees with weapons in their hands, and with these it was that in their frenzy they wounded themselves.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:28
Elijah’s scorn roused the Baal-priests to greater exertions. At length, when the frenzy had reached its height, knives were drawn, and the blood spirted forth from hundreds of self-inflicted wounds,
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:28
28. Cut themselves… till the blood gushed out — “The prophets of Baal took Elijah at his word.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Body Piercing - a Return to Paganism by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of Christians being set apart and holy, contrasting the worldly trend of body modification with the biblical call to honor God with our bod |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |
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The Amaturisation of Missions by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond addresses the concerning trend of the amateurization of missions, highlighting the influx of untrained, ill-equipped, and short-term 'missionaries' who often hinder r |
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God's Thinking and Our Thinking by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of meeting Christ in order to truly understand oneself. He shares his personal experience of not feeling guilty until he became |
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Yarib: Defender of the People by Neil Rhodes | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of fear and passivity in the hearts of believers. He emphasizes that the root problem is the innate fear of being confronted by som |
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You Could Not Cast Him Out by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the increasing violence and hopelessness in society, particularly among young people. He highlights the deep wounds and disillusionment that m |
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Our Daily Homily - Mark by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound contrasts between the first Adam and the last Adam, Jesus Christ, emphasizing how Christ transforms wilderness into gardens and has dominion ove |