1 Kings 18:21

Translations

Modern

Then 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.

Traditional

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Literal

And Elijah came to all the people and said, “Until when will you pass over between the two opinions? If YHWH is God, follow him; but if the Baal, follow him.” And the people did not answer Him a word.

Latin

Accedens autem Elias ad omnem populum, ait: Usquequo claudicatis in duas partes? si Dominus est Deus, sequimini eum: si autem Baal, sequimini illum. Et non respondit ei populus verbum.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then 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.

Notes

1 Kings 18:21

The Hebrew word translated waver means “to be lame” or “to limp.” Elijah compared the people's indecision between worshiping the Lord and Baal to someone limping awkwardly from one foot to the other. Elijah might have also referred to the ritual dance performed by Baal's prophets as they tried to get the storm-god's attention (1 Kings 18:26).

1 Kings 17:1–19:21

The prophet Elijah's work was closely tied to his spiritual growth. Elijah challenged Israel's interest in Baal, the Canaanite storm god. During this conflict, Elijah saw God's power and support, unlike Baal's weakness. This was shown in Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:1–46). After fleeing from Jezebel, God renewed Elijah's mission at Mount Sinai (1 Kings 19:1–18). Elijah's mission was finished by his successor, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Elijah Jezebel Altars Prophets in 1 Kings The Dangers of Sin

Events

Prophecies of Elijah

Related verses

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Joshua 24:15
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”
1 Corinthians 10:21–22
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.
2 Corinthians 6:14–16
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
1 Samuel 7:3
Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”
2 Kings 17:41
So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.
Revelation 3:15–16
I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other!
Zephaniah 1:5
…those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom,
Deuteronomy 4:35
You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.
Psalm 100:3
Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Romans 6:16–22
Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?
Joshua 24:23–24
“Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”

People

Baal: Canaanite god, "Lord/God of the Covenant" Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah

Glossary

Ahab (King) Baal (Idol) Carmel Elijah Jehu Jezebel Kings, Books of First and Second Miracle Pagans Sons of the Prophets

Topics

Ahab: King of Israel: Reproved by Elijah; Assembles the Prophets of Baal Carmel: A Fertile and Picturesque Mountain in Palestine: An Idolatrous High Place Upon Choice: The Sinner's Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Idolatry: Incompatible with the Service of God Indecision: General Scriptures Concerning Instability: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Revivals: Elijah

1 Kings 18:21

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

People

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Glossary

Topics