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.

1 KINGS 18:27KJV
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1 Kings 18:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 18:27 mean?

1 Kings 18:27 describes Elijah openly mocking the prophets of Baal at noon, telling them to shout louder because their god might be busy, traveling, asleep, or otherwise unavailable. Elijah is highlighting the powerlessness of Baal by suggesting that a true god would not be so easily distracted or limited.

In this scene, Elijah is speaking to the prophets of Baal during a dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel. The prophets have been calling on Baal with no response, and Elijah taunts them to expose the difference between their god and the God of Israel. His words are sarcastic, pointing out the absurdity of a god who needs to be awakened or might be preoccupied.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 18:27

  • "mocked" (הָתַל, hāṭal): This word means to ridicule or make fun of. Elijah is not just teasing; he is deliberately making the prophets look foolish in front of everyone.
  • "aloud" (גָּדוֹל קוֹל, gadol qol): This phrase means "with a great voice" or "very loudly." Elijah is telling them to shout as loudly as possible, emphasizing the futility of their efforts.
  • "pursuing" (שִׂיחַ, sīaḥ): This word can mean "busy" or "relieving himself." Elijah may be crudely suggesting that Baal is occupied with personal needs, further underlining his mockery.
  • "sleepeth" (יָשֵׁן, yashen): The idea that a god could be asleep and need to be awakened is meant to be ridiculous, showing how different the God of Israel is from idols.

Why 1 Kings 18:27 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Elijah is being polite or neutral; he is intentionally challenging the prophets of Baal and their beliefs in a public and dramatic way.
  • The verse emphasizes the helplessness of Baal and the futility of idol worship, setting the stage for the miracle that follows when Elijah calls on the God of Israel.
  • Understanding the sarcasm and cultural context helps readers see the boldness of Elijah’s faith and the sharp contrast between the living God and powerless idols.

Where else these words appear

“mocked” Hebrew H2048 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
  • Judges 16:10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.
  • Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?

“sleepeth” Hebrew H3463 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.
  • 1 Kings 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
  • Song of Solomon 7:9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.

“peradventure” Hebrew H194 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • Joshua 9:7 And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?
  • 2 Kings 19:4 It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.

“awaked” Hebrew H3364 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 9:24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
  • Genesis 41:7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
  • Judges 16:20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.