Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. New Living Translation Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. English Standard Version Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. Berean Standard Bible Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. Berean Literal Bible And let them give to us two bulls, and let them choose for themselves one bull, and let them cut it into pieces, and let them set it on the wood, and they will not set a fire. And I will prepare one bull and lay it on the wood, I will not set a fire. King James Bible Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: New King James Version Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. New American Standard Bible Now have them give us two oxen; and have them choose the one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it. NASB 1995 “Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it. NASB 1977 “Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox, and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it. Legacy Standard Bible Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but place no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and put it on the wood, and I will not place fire under it. Amplified Bible Now let them give us two oxen, and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it. Berean Annotated Bible Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. Christian Standard Bible Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. Holman Christian Standard Bible Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. American Standard Version Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. Contemporary English Version Bring us two bulls. Baal's prophets can take one of them, kill it, and cut it into pieces. Then they can put the meat on the wood without lighting the fire. I will do the same thing with the other bull, and I won't light a fire under it either. English Revised Version Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. GOD'S WORD® Translation Give us two bulls. Let the prophets of Baal choose one for themselves, cut it into pieces, lay it on the wood, but not set it on fire. I'll do the same with the other bull. Good News Translation Bring two bulls; let the prophets of Baal take one, kill it, cut it in pieces, and put it on the wood--but don't light the fire. I will do the same with the other bull. International Standard Version So let them provide two oxen. They can choose one ox for themselves. Cut it up, lay it on top of some wood, but don't set fire to it. I will prepare the other ox and lay it on top of some wood, and I won't set fire to it. NET Bible Let them bring us two bulls. Let them choose one of the bulls for themselves, cut it up into pieces, and place it on the wood. But they must not set it on fire. I will do the same to the other bull and place it on the wood. But I will not set it on fire. New Heart English Bible Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. And I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it. Webster's Bible Translation Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleGet two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. World English Bible Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand let them give two bullocks to us, and they choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and place [it] on the wood, and place no fire; and I prepare the other bullock, and have put [it] on the wood, and I do not place fire— Berean Literal Bible And let them give to us two bulls, and let them choose for themselves one bull, and let them cut it into pieces, and let them set it on the wood, and they will not set a fire. And I will prepare one bull and lay it on the wood, I will not set a fire. Young's Literal Translation and let them give to us two bullocks, and they choose for themselves the one bullock, and cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood, and place no fire; and I -- I prepare the other bullock, and have put it on the wood, and fire I do not place; -- Smith's Literal Translation And they shall give to us two bullocks; and they shall choose for themselves the one bullock, and cut it in pieces and put upon woods, and put no fire: and I will do the other bullock and give upon woods, and put no fire: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet two bullocks be given us, and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it upon wood, but put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under it. Catholic Public Domain Version Let two oxen be given to us. And let them choose one ox for themselves, and, cutting it into pieces, let them set it on the wood. But they may not place fire under it. And I will prepare the other ox, and set it on the wood. But I will not place fire under it. New American Bible Give us two young bulls. Let them choose one, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood, but start no fire. I shall prepare the other and place it on the wood, but shall start no fire. New Revised Standard Version Let two bulls be given to us; let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it; I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it on wood and put no fire under; and I will prepare the other bullock and cut it in pieces and lay it on wood and put no fire under it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Let them give us two oxen and they will select for themselves one bull and they shall cut it in pieces, and they shall put on wood, and they shall not set fire to it, and I shall prepare one bull and I shall cut it in pieces, and I shall set on wood and I shall not set fire to it. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. Brenton Septuagint Translation Let them give us two oxen, and let them choose one for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire on the wood: and I will dress the other bullock, and put on no fire. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elijah on Mount Carmel…22Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24Then you may call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered, “What you say is good.”… Cross References Get two bulls for us. Leviticus 4:3 If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. Exodus 24:5 Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, 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!” Deuteronomy 13:3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. cut it into pieces, Leviticus 1:6 Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. Genesis 15:10 So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half. and place it on the wood but not light the fire. Leviticus 1:7 The sons of Aaron the priest shall put a fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire. Genesis 22:6-8 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together. / Then Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” “Here I am, my son,” he replied. “The fire and the wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” / Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two walked on together. And I will prepare the other bull Judges 6:25-26 On that very night the LORD said to Gideon, “Take your father’s young bull and a second bull seven years old, tear down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. / 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.” 2 Samuel 24:22-24 Araunah said to David, “May my lord the king take whatever seems good to him and offer it up. Here are the oxen for a burnt offering and the threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. / O king, Araunah gives all these to the king.” He also said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” / “No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 2 Chronicles 7:1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. Leviticus 9:24 Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Exodus 29:38-42 This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. / Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight. / With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives, and a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine. … Leviticus 1:3-9 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. / And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. … Numbers 23:1-4 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” / So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. / “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height, … Deuteronomy 12:13-14 Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; / you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you. Treasury of Scripture Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: Jump to Previous Bull Bullock Bullocks Bulls Choose Cut Dress Fire Lay Ox Oxen Pieces Prepare Themselves WoodJump to Next Bull Bullock Bullocks Bulls Choose Cut Dress Fire Lay Ox Oxen Pieces Prepare Themselves Wood1 Kings 18 1. In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah9. Obadiah brings Ahab to Elijah 17. Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven convinces Baal's prophets 41. Elijah, by prayer obtaining rain, follows Ahab to Jezreel Get two bulls for us. In the ancient Near East, bulls were often used in sacrifices due to their value and significance as a symbol of strength and fertility. The choice of two bulls here sets the stage for a direct confrontation between the God of Israel and the pagan god Baal. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God demonstrating His power over false gods, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12). Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA prophet of God who challenges the prophets of Baal to demonstrate the power of the true God. 2. Prophets of Baal Pagan prophets who worship Baal, a false god, and are challenged by Elijah. 3. Mount Carmel The location where the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal takes place. 4. Bulls Two bulls are used as offerings in the contest to demonstrate which deity is the true God. 5. Altar The structure on which the bulls are placed, symbolizing a place of sacrifice and worship. Teaching Points Faith in ActionElijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal demonstrates his unwavering faith in God's power. We are called to trust God even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Confronting Idolatry Just as Elijah confronted the false worship of Baal, we must identify and confront modern-day idols in our lives, whether they be material possessions, status, or other distractions from God. God's Sovereignty The contest on Mount Carmel underscores God's sovereignty and power over all creation. We should live with the assurance that God is in control, regardless of the challenges we face. Prayer and Preparation Elijah's preparation of the altar and his subsequent prayer highlight the importance of both preparation and reliance on God in our spiritual lives. Public Witness Elijah's public demonstration of faith serves as a reminder that our faith should be visible to others, serving as a testimony to God's power and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 18:23?2. How does 1 Kings 18:23 demonstrate God's power over false gods? 3. What does Elijah's challenge reveal about faith in God's provision? 4. How can we apply Elijah's boldness in our spiritual battles today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 1 Kings 18:23 and Ephesians 6:10-18? 6. How does this verse encourage reliance on God in seemingly impossible situations? 7. How does 1 Kings 18:23 demonstrate God's power over false gods? 8. What historical evidence supports the events in 1 Kings 18:23? 9. Why did Elijah choose a bull for the sacrifice in 1 Kings 18:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 18? 11. How does 1 Kings 19 fit with other biblical accounts of Elijah and the broader historical context, considering potential timeline or narrative discrepancies? (1 Kings 19) 12. How does Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:21–24 align or conflict with other biblical teachings on monotheism? 13. In 1 Kings 18:19, is there any archaeological or textual evidence supporting the existence of such large numbers of prophets? 14. Where did Elijah challenge the prophets of Baal? What Does 1 Kings 18:23 Mean Get two bulls for usElijah levels the playing field by calling for two identical sacrificial animals. • Bulls were the standard burnt offering for national sin and covenant renewal (Leviticus 4:3; Numbers 8:12). • By requesting two, Elijah shows that both sides will work with the same materials—no advantage, no excuse (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15 on establishing truth by equal testimony). • The scene anticipates a covenant lawsuit: Israel must decide whom to serve (1 Kings 18:21; Joshua 24:15). Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves Elijah offers the first choice to Baal’s 450 prophets (1 Kings 18:19). • This gesture underscores fairness; if Baal fails, no one can blame a “bad” animal or setup. • It echoes Genesis 13:9, where Abram lets Lot choose, trusting God with the outcome. • The prophets’ freedom exposes the impotence of their god (Psalm 115:4-7). cut it into pieces The priests begin the usual sacrificial preparation (Leviticus 1:6). • Cutting symbolizes total surrender of the victim—nothing held back (Romans 12:1 for believers’ living sacrifice). • It also prefigures covenantal consequences for breaking faith (Jeremiah 34:18-20). and place it on the wood Wood on an altar readies the offering for fire (Genesis 22:9). • The arrangement points to substitutionary atonement: an innocent life laid out in the sinner’s place (Isaiah 53:6-7). • Proper order matters; God is a God of detail (Exodus 25:9). but not light the fire Here the contest truly begins. • Fire belongs to the Lord alone; He answered previous sacrifices with consuming flame (Leviticus 9:24; Judges 6:21). • Elijah removes human ability from the equation so divine power must decide the matter (Psalm 20:7; Zechariah 4:6). • The restriction highlights Baal’s reputed domain—lightning and storms—yet he will prove powerless (Jeremiah 10:5). And I will prepare the other bull Elijah mirrors their actions, ensuring equal conditions. • He stands alone yet represents the remnant of faithful Israel (1 Kings 18:22; Romans 11:2-4). • His confidence flows from covenant promises that the Lord hears His servants (Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Kings 8:37-40). • Obedience precedes expectation; Elijah does precisely what God directs (1 Kings 18:36). and place it on the wood The parallel setup reinforces the objectivity of the test. • Like Moses confronting Pharaoh with identical signs (Exodus 7:8-13), Elijah duplicates the scene to expose counterfeit power. • Two identical altars recall the two goats on the Day of Atonement: one for the Lord, one for removal of sin (Leviticus 16:7-10). but not light the fire. Elijah repeats the command for himself, binding both parties to the same condition. • It expresses absolute trust that the Lord will reveal Himself (1 Kings 18:37). • The withheld fire anticipates Pentecost, where God’s answering flame rests on believers, validating the true gospel (Acts 2:3-4). • The challenge prepares Israel to witness that “the LORD, He is God” (1 Kings 18:39). summary 1 Kings 18:23 details a fair, public test pitting the living God against Baal. By specifying two bulls, identical preparation, and a prohibition on man-made fire, Elijah removes every possibility of human manipulation. The verse spotlights God’s sovereignty over sacrifice, justice, and revelation. When fire falls only on Elijah’s altar, Israel sees unmistakably that the LORD alone is God—a timeless call to forsake idols and trust the Almighty who answers by fire. Verse 23. - Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces [same word Exodus 29:17; Leviticus 1:6, 12; Judges 20:6], and lay it on wood [Heb. the woods], and put no fire under [Heb. and fire they shall not set to]: and I win dress [Heb. make, עָשָׂה, like ποιε1FC0;ιν in the LXX., is constantly used in a sacrificial sense = offer. Cf. Exodus 29:36, 38, 41; Leviticus 9:7; Leviticus 15:15; Judges 6:19, etc. This is to be remembered in interpreting our Lord's τοῦτο ποιε1FC0;ιτε κ.τ.λ. (Luke 22:19)] the other bullock, and lay it on wood [the wood], and put no fire under [and fire I will not set to]:Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Getוְיִתְּנוּ־ (wə·yit·tə·nū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set two שְׁנַ֣יִם (šə·na·yim) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) bulls פָּרִ֗ים (pā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer for us. לָ֜נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's Hebrew Let [the prophets of Baal] choose וְיִבְחֲר֣וּ (wə·yiḇ·ḥă·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 977: To try, select one הָאֶחָ֜ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first bull הַפָּ֨ר (hap·pār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer for themselves, לָהֶם֩ (lā·hem) Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They cut it into pieces, וִֽינַתְּחֻ֗הוּ (wî·nat·tə·ḥu·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 5408: To cut up, cut in pieces, divide by joints and place וְיָשִׂ֙ימוּ֙ (wə·yā·śî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set it on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the wood, הָ֣עֵצִ֔ים (hā·‘ê·ṣîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood but not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no light יָשִׂ֑ימוּ (yā·śî·mū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set the fire. וְאֵ֖שׁ (wə·’êš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular Strong's 784: A fire And I וַאֲנִ֞י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I will prepare אֶעֱשֶׂ֣ה ׀ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make the other הָאֶחָ֗ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first bull הַפָּ֣ר (hap·pār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer and place וְנָֽתַתִּי֙ (wə·nā·ṯat·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set it on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the wood, הָ֣עֵצִ֔ים (hā·‘ê·ṣîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood but not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no light אָשִֽׂים׃ (’ā·śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set the fire. וְאֵ֖שׁ (wə·’êš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular Strong's 784: A fire Links 1 Kings 18:23 NIV1 Kings 18:23 NLT 1 Kings 18:23 ESV 1 Kings 18:23 NASB 1 Kings 18:23 KJV 1 Kings 18:23 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 18:23 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 18:23 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 18:23 French Bible 1 Kings 18:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 18:23 Let them therefore give us two bulls (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
    |