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:

1 KINGS 18:23KJV
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1 Kings 18:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 18:23 mean?

1 Kings 18:23 describes Elijah proposing a test to the prophets of Baal: both sides will prepare a bull for sacrifice, place it on wood, but not set fire to it. Each group will call on their god, and the true God will answer by sending fire. This sets up a public demonstration to show whose god is real.

Elijah is speaking to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, in front of the people of Israel. The verse lays out the rules for a fair contest, making sure both sides have the same conditions—two bulls, prepared in the same way, with no fire allowed except what comes supernaturally. This challenge is meant to settle the question of who is truly God.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 18:23

  • The Hebrew word for "give" (נָתַן, natan, H5414) here means to provide or hand over, showing that Elijah is asking for cooperation and fairness in the setup.
  • "Bullocks" (פַּר, par, H6499) refers to young bulls, which were common animals for sacrifices in Israelite worship, highlighting the seriousness and familiarity of the test.
  • "Lay" (שִׂים, sim, H7760) and "wood" (עֵץ, etz, H6086) emphasize the physical preparation of the altar, making clear that no trickery or hidden fire is involved.
  • "Put no fire under" uses the Hebrew word for "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh, H784), stressing that the test depends entirely on divine action, not human effort.

Why 1 Kings 18:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Elijah wanted a fair and public test, removing any suspicion of cheating or manipulation by either side.
  • The careful instructions about not putting fire under the sacrifice highlight that the outcome will be unmistakably supernatural, leaving no doubt about which god responds.
  • The verse sets the stage for the dramatic showdown that follows, making the coming miracle (or lack of one) a turning point for the people watching.

Where else these words appear

“pieces” Hebrew H5408 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 29:17 And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head.
  • Leviticus 1:12 And he shall cut it into his pieces, with his head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:
  • Judges 20:6 And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

“bullocks” Hebrew H6499 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 32:15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
  • Numbers 7:57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
  • Numbers 29:32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: