1 Kings 18:27

Elijah on Mount Carmel · 1 Kings 18:16–35
Read 1 Kings 18

Translations

Modern
At 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!”
Traditional
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.
Literal
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Call out in a louder voice, for he is a god. Either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.”
Latin
Cumque esset jam meridies, illudebat illis Elias, dicens: Clamate voce majore: deus enim est, et forsitan loquitur, aut in diversorio est, aut in itinere, aut certe dormit, ut excitetur.

Original

Hebrew
English
At 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!”

Notes

occupied: Elijah mocked the false gods by speaking as if they had human needs. His sarcasm showed how powerless they were. In some religions, such as in Egypt, priests treated idols like people. They would wake up the idol, feed it, wash it, dress it in fresh clothes, put makeup on its face, and place a royal emblem on it.

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

Events

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah

Glossary

Ahab (King) Baal (Idol) Carmel Idols, Idolatry 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 Derisively Challenges the Priests of Baal to offer Sacrifices Idol: Prayer To, Unanswered Idolatry: Folly of Irony: Elijah to the Priests of Baal Mocking: Elijah Mocks the Priests of Baal Prayer in a Loud Voice, Satirized by Elijah Prayer: Importunity in Elijah Prayer: Prayer Test Proposed by Elijah Prayer: To Idols Revivals: Elijah Sarcasm: Elijah to the Priests of Baal Tantalizing: General Scriptures Concerning