And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

1 KINGS 18:29KJV
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1 Kings 18:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 18:29 mean?

1 Kings 18:29 describes how the prophets of Baal continued their rituals and prophesying well into the afternoon, but there was no response—no voice, no answer, and no sign that anyone was listening. The verse shows that despite their efforts, their god did not respond in any way.

In this scene, Elijah is on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal and a gathered crowd, during a contest to prove whose god is real. The prophets of Baal are desperately trying to call down fire from their god, but nothing happens, even as they go on for hours. The verse emphasizes the complete silence and lack of response from Baal, setting the stage for Elijah’s demonstration of the God of Israel’s power.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 18:29

  • "Prophesied" (נָבָא, nava): In this context, this word often means more than just predicting the future—it can refer to frenzied or ecstatic religious activity. Here, it highlights the intense, dramatic efforts of Baal’s prophets.
  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qol): This word means a sound or voice. The verse stresses that there was not even a hint of a response—no sound at all.
  • "Regarded" (קָשַׁב, qashav): This word means to pay attention or give heed. The verse uses it to underline that no one was listening or responding to the prophets’ cries, making their efforts completely futile.

Why 1 Kings 18:29 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Baal might have answered if the prophets had tried harder; it shows their total failure despite hours of effort.
  • It highlights the dramatic contrast between the silence of Baal and the later powerful response from the God of Israel, which is central to the story’s message.
  • The detail about the "evening sacrifice" connects this event to the regular worship practices of Israel, showing that Elijah’s actions are rooted in the traditions of his people, while the prophets of Baal are left with nothing.

Where else these words appear

“regarded” Hebrew H7182 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Kings 4:31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.
  • Isaiah 21:7 And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:

“midday” Hebrew H6672 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • 1 Kings 20:16 And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
  • Isaiah 16:3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

“prophesied” Hebrew H5012 · used in 102 verses

  • Numbers 11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
  • Jeremiah 20:6 And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.
  • Ezekiel 13:16 To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.