1 Kings 18:32
1 Kings 18:32 in Multiple Translations
And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold 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 measures of seed.
And with the stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.
And with the stones he made an altar to the name of the Lord; and he made a deep drain all round the altar, great enough to take two measures of seed.
With the stones he built an altar in the Lord's name. He dug a ditch around it that could hold two seahs of seed.
And with the stones he buylt an altar in the Name of the Lord: and he made a ditch round about the altar, as great as woulde conteine two measures of seede.
and he buildeth with the stones an altar, in the name of Jehovah, and maketh a trench, as about the space of two measures of seed, round about the altar.
With the stones he built an altar in the LORD’s name. He made a trench around the altar large enough to 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 measures of seed.
And he built with the stones an altar to the name of the Lord: and he made a trench for water, of the breadth of two furrows round about the altar.
With these stones he rebuilt Yahweh’s altar. Then around the altar he dug a little ditch that was large enough to hold about ◄three gallons/12 liters► of water.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:32
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 18:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּבְנֶ֧ה
אֶת
הָ/אֲבָנִ֛ים
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
תְּעָלָ֗ה
כְּ/בֵית֙
סָאתַ֣יִם
זֶ֔רַע
סָבִ֖יב
לַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
וַ/יִּבְנֶ֧ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֲבָנִ֛ים
ʼeben
H68
stone
Art | N-fp
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
תְּעָלָ֗ה
tᵉʻâlâh
H8585
conduit
N-fs
כְּ/בֵית֙
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
סָאתַ֣יִם
çᵉʼâh
H5429
seah
N-fd
זֶ֔רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Prep | 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 18:32
וַ/יִּבְנֶ֧ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
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.
הָ/אֲבָנִ֛ים
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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.
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
תְּעָלָ֗ה
tᵉʻâlâh
H8585
"conduit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to healing, like the process of new skin forming over a wound. It can also mean a channel for water, like a conduit or watercourse, and is used in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel. The idea of healing is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: conduit, water course, trench
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: conduit, cured, healing, little river, trench, watercourse. See also: 1 Kings 18:32; Job 38:25; Isaiah 7:3.
כְּ/בֵית֙
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
סָאתַ֣יִם
çᵉʼâh
H5429
"seah"
N-fd
A seah is an ancient measure of grain, about 1/3 of an ephah, used in biblical times for flour or grain. It appears in the Old Testament as a standard unit of measurement. In Ezekiel 45:11, it is used to describe the amount of grain for offerings.
Definition: 1) seah, a measure of flour or grain 1a) probably equal to 1/3 ephah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: measure. See also: Genesis 18:6; 2 Kings 7:1; 2 Kings 7:18.
זֶ֔רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Prep | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:32
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:32
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:32
Context — Elijah on Mount Carmel
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.
31And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.”
32And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.
33Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, placed it on the wood, 34and said, “Fill four waterpots and pour the water on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it a second time,” he said, and they did it a second time. “Do it a third time,” he said, and they did it a third time.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 3:17 | And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. |
| 2 | Exodus 20:24–25 | You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. Now if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with stones shaped by tools; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it. |
| 3 | Judges 21:4 | The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 7:9 | Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 7:17 | Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD. |
| 7 | Judges 6:26 | Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.” |
1 Kings 18:32 Summary
In this verse, Elijah builds an altar to God using twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and digs a trench around it to hold water. This act of worship and obedience shows Elijah's faith in God's power and presence. Just like Elijah, we can prepare our hearts and lives for a powerful encounter with God by prioritizing worship and obedience, as taught in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Romans 12:1. By doing so, we can demonstrate our trust in God's power and presence in our daily lives, just as Elijah did in this remarkable story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elijah build an altar in the name of the LORD?
Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD to restore worship to the one true God, as instructed in Deuteronomy 12:2-7, and to prepare for the sacrifice that would demonstrate God's power and presence, as seen in 1 Kings 18:38-39.
What is the significance of the twelve stones?
The twelve stones represent the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity and completeness of God's people, as stated in Genesis 49:28 and reinforced in 1 Kings 18:31, where Elijah takes one stone for each tribe.
Why did Elijah dig a trench around the altar?
Elijah dug a trench around the altar to hold the water that would be poured on the sacrifice, as described in 1 Kings 18:33-34, demonstrating his faith in God's power to overcome any obstacle, much like the faith exhibited in Daniel 3:17-18.
What can we learn from Elijah's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Elijah's example the importance of faith, obedience, and preparation in our worship and service to God, as taught in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Timothy 2:21.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Elijah, prepare my heart and life for a powerful encounter with God?
- What 'altars' in my life need to be rebuilt or restored to prioritize worship and obedience to God?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and trust in God's power and presence in my daily life, just as Elijah did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of unity and completeness, represented by the twelve stones, to my relationships with other believers?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:32
And with the stones he built an altar in the same of the Lord,.... Whom the twelve tribes had formerly worshipped; and though now divided in their civil state, yet ought to be united in the worship
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:32
And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
With the assistance of the people, who readily yielded their helping hand, he built an altar; which, though generally forbidden, he might do, because he did it by the command and suggestion of God, who can dispense with his own laws, and upon apparent and urgent necessity, and for a work of great mercy, even for the conversion of the Israelites, whom it was impossible to bring to the altar of Jerusalem at this time. In the name of the Lord; by the authority of God, and for his worship. Two measures, i.e. two third parts of an ephah; which shows that the trench was of a competent largeness.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
1 Kings 18:32 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 measures of seed.Ver. 32. In the name of the Lord,] i.e., By his special warrant, and for his honour and service.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
(32) Measures.—The “measure,” the third part of the ephah, hence also often called shalish (a “tierce,” or “third”), was something less than three gallons. A trench to contain only six gallons seems too insignificant for the context; hence it is supposed that the sense is “large enough for the sowing (as in a furrow) of two measures of seed.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
Verse 32. He made a trench] This was to detain the water that might fall down from the altar when the barrels should be poured upon it, 1Kg 18:35.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:32
32. a trench] The LXX. has θάλασσαν = a sea, which is interesting in connexion with the name given to the great cistern which Solomon caused to be made for the temple-services. Cf. 1 Kings 7:23 above. as great as would contain two measures of seed] The LXX. omits these words, which are not quite easy of explanation. The measure mentioned is a seah, which is the third part of an ephah. But whether the dimension applies to each side of the altar, so that on each of the four sides there would be a ditch of this capacity, or whether this was the capacity of the whole surrounding trench is not evident. It was clearly intended to catch the water that was poured over the sacrifice.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:32
He built an altar in the name of the Lord - i. e., calling, as he built it, on the name of Yahweh, and so dedicating it to His service. Two measures of seed - literally, “two seahs of seed.” The seah contained about three gallons.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:32
32. As great as would contain two measures of seed — This means, according to Thenius and Keil, that the space taken up by the whole trench was as large as that on which two measures of grain would ordinarily be sown.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"That They May Be one." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a |
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Be a Man (At Home and at Church) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bringing every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ. He highlights the need to bring our thought life, eyes, e |
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Cost of Discipleship - Part 7 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of negative feedback guidance in missile technology as an analogy for following Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of committing |
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(John - Part 17): Lessons on John the Baptists Humble Ministry by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. He encourages the audience to let go of their desires for honor and praise an |
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For Me to Live Is Christ by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, Dr. Dave Sidlow-Baxter focuses on the powerful words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He emphasizes that |
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Central Baptist Church by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bringing every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ. He highlights the need to bring our thought life, eyes, e |
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Audio Sermon: Be Filled With the Holy Spirit by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the story of Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple, highlighting the power of faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of being filled with the Hol |