1 Kings 18:22 kjv
Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
1 Kings 18:22 nkjv
Then Elijah said to the people, "I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
1 Kings 18:22 niv
Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only one of the LORD's prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.
1 Kings 18:22 esv
Then Elijah said to the people, "I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD, but Baal's prophets are 450 men.
1 Kings 18:22 nlt
Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only prophet of the LORD who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets.
1 Kings 18 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ki 18:19 | Now therefore send... four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal... | Previous mention of Baal's prophets' numbers. |
| 1 Ki 19:10 | And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel... I, even I only, am left... | Elijah's lament of being alone, reiterating his perceived isolation. |
| 1 Ki 19:14 | And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel... and I, even I only, am left... | Second time Elijah expresses his feeling of being the only faithful prophet. |
| Rom 11:2-5 | God hath not cast away his people... know ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel... Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant... | Paul uses Elijah's situation to illustrate God always preserves a remnant. |
| Deut 18:20-22 | But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name... how shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?... | Test for true and false prophets, put into action on Carmel. |
| Deut 13:1-5 | If there arise among you a prophet... saying, Let us go after other gods... | Warning against false prophets who lead to idolatry. |
| Psa 33:16-17 | There is no king saved by the multitude of an host... A horse is a vain thing for safety... | God's deliverance is not by numbers or might, but His power. |
| Judg 7:2 | The LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands... | God intentionally reduces army size to show victory is from Him. |
| Judg 7:7 | And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand... | God delivers through a small number to glorify Himself. |
| Isa 44:6-8 | Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel... I am the first, and I am the last... Is there a God beside me? | The LORD asserts His absolute uniqueness and sole deity, challenging all other gods. |
| Isa 44:17-20 | And the residue thereof he maketh a god... that cannot deliver his soul... | Critique of idol worship, emphasizing their lifelessness and inability to help. |
| Psa 115:3-8 | But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold... they have mouths, but they speak not... | Contrast between the omnipotent God and impotent idols. |
| Jer 2:27-28 | Saying to a stock, Thou art my father... where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee... | Condemnation of idol worship; false gods are helpless in trouble. |
| Josh 24:15 | ...choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. | A call to decide allegiance between the LORD and other gods. |
| Psa 3:6 | I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about. | Trust in God against overwhelming numbers. |
| 2 Chr 14:11 | And Asa cried unto the LORD his God... for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. | Reliance on God when facing superior numbers. |
| Ex 20:3 | Thou shalt have no other gods before me. | The first commandment, the essence of the polemic against Baal. |
| 1 Sam 17:47 | ...for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands. | Emphasizes that victory in battle depends on God, not human might. |
| Isa 59:16 | And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor... | God acting when there seems to be no one to help or intercede. |
| Ezr 9:8 | And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape... | God's preservation of a faithful remnant. |
| Phil 2:9-11 | Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... | Ultimate victory and supremacy over all other claims and powers. |
1 Kings 18 verses
1 Kings 18 22 Meaning
This verse from 1 Kings 18 introduces the core confrontation on Mount Carmel by starkly contrasting the immense spiritual apostasy in Israel with the solitary faithfulness of Elijah. Elijah states that he alone remains as a prophet of the LORD, highlighting the perceived overwhelming numerical disadvantage and isolation of God's true worship, standing against 450 prophets dedicated to Baal, the Canaanite storm and fertility deity. This declaration sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of the LORD's singular and absolute power, proving His supremacy over false gods and showcasing that victory does not depend on human numbers but on divine omnipotence.
1 Kings 18 22 Context
1 Kings chapter 18 details a pivotal confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, aimed at ending the severe three-year drought in Israel. This drought, prophesied by Elijah in chapter 17, served as a divine judgment against King Ahab's and Queen Jezebel's promotion of state-sponsored Baal worship, directly challenging Baal's claimed authority over rain and fertility. The context of verse 22 is Elijah addressing the assembled Israelites and confronting the systemic idolatry prevalent under Ahab. Elijah highlights his extreme isolation as the "only" prophet of the LORD, numerically dwarfed by the massive contingent of Baal's prophets. This setting dramatizes the spiritual battle, emphasizing that the impending divine manifestation will not be due to human strength or popularity but purely by the power of YHWH, in contrast to Baal, a mere human invention incapable of delivering.
1 Kings 18 22 Word analysis
- Then said Elijah unto the people: Marks a direct address and initiates the terms of the spiritual showdown. It establishes Elijah's initiative and authority in this divine conflict.
- I, even I: (Hebrew: ’ănî lĕḇaddî) - The repetition of "I" (אֲנִי) followed by "alone" (לְבַדִּי) profoundly emphasizes Elijah's perceived isolation and singularity as the sole, true prophet. This isn't mere egotism but a stark reality of the extent of Israel's apostasy and the faithfulness of one man. It amplifies the later miraculous intervention by God, showing it's not by human strength but divine power through an unexpected vessel.
- only remain: Reinforces the exclusivity and extreme isolation of Elijah. It speaks to a deep sense of despair in the face of widespread rebellion against God.
- a prophet of the LORD: (Hebrew: nāḇî’ lYHWH) - A navi (נָבִיא) is one called and sent by God to speak His words, acting as His spokesman. This identifies Elijah's authentic spiritual lineage and divine commission. The LORD (YHWH - יְהוָה) is the covenant name of God, unique to Israel, highlighting His character as the only true God, creator, and sustainer. This implicitly contrasts YHWH's active involvement with Baal's impotence.
- but Baal's prophets: Baal (בַּעַל) was a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility deity, meaning "owner" or "master." His prophets were spiritual functionaries dedicated to promoting his worship, directly competing with the worship of YHWH. This phrase sets up the opposition directly.
- are four hundred and fifty men: Specifies the exact number, emphasizing the dramatic numerical disparity and the overwhelming odds facing Elijah. The large number underscores the widespread nature of Baal worship sponsored by the monarchy, adding to the dramatic tension for the coming test of power. This vast number also highlights the cultural pressure and societal endorsement behind Baalism in Israel at that time.
1 Kings 18 22 Bonus section
While Elijah's statement "I, even I, only remain" suggests his singular status, the narrative later reveals through Obadiah's actions that 100 prophets of the LORD had been hidden in caves (1 Ki 18:4, 13). This seeming discrepancy is not a contradiction but a dramatic and rhetorical device used by Elijah. His words reflect his zeal and passion for YHWH, feeling profoundly isolated and persecuted amidst the pervasive idolatry, rather than a factual census of all surviving prophets. From his immediate perspective in direct confrontation, he truly was the only one publicly confronting the widespread apostasy and directly challenging the false prophets. This enhances the portrayal of his courage and unwavering faith. The irony then lies in God demonstrating His power through one visible servant against so many, a reminder that God’s presence and power are not contingent on visible human numbers or strength.
1 Kings 18 22 Commentary
1 Kings 18:22 serves as a critical exposition of the theological and historical stakes on Mount Carmel. Elijah's powerful statement, "I, even I, only remain a prophet of the LORD," is a testament to the depths of spiritual apostasy in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during Ahab's reign. This declaration, though Elijah later finds out there were more (Obadiah hid 100), effectively conveys his perceived isolation and the acute numerical disparity—450 false prophets of Baal against one lone, zealous prophet of the LORD. This numerical imbalance heightens the dramatic tension and profoundly magnifies the absolute power of God demonstrated in the subsequent fire from heaven. The verse is not merely a statement of fact but a deliberate narrative device that showcases God's glory; it signifies that God does not require a multitude to manifest His power or achieve victory. His very nature, as the self-existent and omnipotent LORD, is sufficient to overcome any opposition, including a well-entrenched state-sponsored cult with hundreds of dedicated proponents. This moment compels the Israelites to acknowledge the stark choice between YHWH, the living God, and Baal, the powerless idol.