Old Testament
1 Kings 18:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, Elijah is confronting the prophets of Baal, who are trying to get their god's attention.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Around noon, Elijah started mocking them. "Shout louder!" he said. "After all, he's a god! Maybe he's talking, or he's chasing something, or he's on a journey. Or maybe he's asleep and needs to be woken up!"
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Elijah is confronting the prophets of Baal, who are trying to get their god's attention. He sarcastically suggests that they should shout louder because their god might be preoccupied. Perhaps Baal is busy talking, chasing something, or even taking a nap. Elijah's mockery highlights the absurdity of relying on a false god who cannot respond. This scene emphasizes the contrast between the living God and the lifeless idols that people worship. Elijah's challenge is not just about proving who is the true God; it's also about revealing the futility of misplaced faith. The humor in his words serves to provoke thought and reflection on what we truly believe in and rely on in our lives. It invites us to consider whether we are investing our energy in things that cannot help us or in the one who can truly make a difference. Elijah's boldness encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with doubt and ridicule from others. His confidence in God serves as a powerful reminder of divine sovereignty. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Kings 18:27 to your life
When faced with challenges, consider where you place your trust. Are you relying on things that cannot help you? Like Elijah, be bold in your faith and seek the true source of strength and guidance in your life. Reflect on what truly matters to you and invest your energy wisely. Trust in the living God who hears you and responds to your needs.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 18:27 mean?
1 Kings 18:27 shows Elijah mocking the prophets of Baal as they try to get their god's attention. He sarcastically suggests that Baal might be too busy or asleep to respond, highlighting the futility of worshiping a false god.
What does the phrase 'he is talking, or he is pursuing' mean in 1 Kings 18:27?
This phrase suggests that Baal might be preoccupied with other matters, which is a sarcastic way for Elijah to point out that a true god would not be distracted or unable to respond to his followers.
What lesson can we learn from 1 Kings 18:27?
The verse teaches us to reflect on where we place our trust and to recognize the importance of relying on a true source of strength rather than on things that cannot help us.
How does 1 Kings 18:27 relate to the theme of idolatry?
In 1 Kings 18:27, Elijah's mockery of Baal highlights the theme of idolatry by showing how foolish it is to worship something that cannot respond, contrasting it with the living God who is always present and attentive.

The Book of 1 Kings
1 Kings 1: Solomon Becomes King
As King David is old and frail, his fourth son, Adonijah, makes a bid for the throne. He gathers the support of Joab, David's long-time military commander, and Abiathar the priest, and begins to act as king, complete with a royal procession. However, he does not invite the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, Benaiah (the captain of David's personal guard), or his own half-brother, Solomon.
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