And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

1 KINGS 18:31KJV
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1 Kings 18:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 18:31 mean?

1 Kings 18:31 describes Elijah taking twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to build an altar. This act recalls the time when God renamed Jacob as Israel and highlights the unity of all the tribes under that name.

In this verse, Elijah is acting during a time of deep division in Israel, with the northern tribes often worshipping other gods. By using twelve stones, Elijah points back to the original twelve tribes of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel), reminding the people of their shared heritage and covenant with the LORD. This sets the stage for the dramatic contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 18:31

  • יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, "Israel"): This is the name God gave to Jacob, meaning "he struggles with God" or "God prevails." Elijah’s use of this name emphasizes the covenant identity of the people, not just their ancestry.
  • שֵׁם (shem, "name"): The word for "name" here is more than just a label; it points to identity and calling. The verse recalls God’s promise and purpose for Jacob’s descendants.
  • מִסְפָּר (mispar, "number"): The emphasis on the exact number of stones—twelve—underscores the completeness and unity of all the tribes, even though the nation was divided at this time.

Why 1 Kings 18:31 matters

  • The verse clears up that Elijah’s altar was not just for the northern tribes, but symbolically included all of Israel, reminding the people of their common roots.
  • It highlights that Elijah’s actions are meant to call the people back to their original relationship with God, as established with Jacob/Israel, rather than inventing something new.
  • This connection to the twelve tribes helps the reader see that Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal is about restoring true worship for the whole nation, not just a local or tribal issue.

Where else these words appear

“Elijah” Hebrew H452 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
  • 1 Kings 18:30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.
  • 2 Kings 1:13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

“number” Hebrew H4557 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
  • Ezra 3:4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;