Old Testament
1 Kings 18:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Elijah took 12 stones — one for each tribe descended from Jacob, the man to whom the LORD had said, "Your name will be Israel."
Compare translations
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:
What 1 Kings 18:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Elijah is making a powerful statement by using twelve stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, which descended from Jacob. Jacob, who was renamed Israel by God, symbolizes the unity and identity of God's chosen people. Each stone serves as a reminder of their heritage and the promises made to them. By using these stones, Elijah is not just building an altar; he is calling the people back to their roots and their relationship with God. This act emphasizes the importance of remembering where we come from and the commitments we have made. It also highlights the significance of community and shared identity in faith. Elijah's actions encourage us to reflect on our own foundations and the values that unite us as individuals and as a community. The stones are a tangible representation of God's faithfulness throughout history, reminding us that we are part of a larger story that connects us to one another and to God himself. This moment is about restoration and reaffirmation of faith.
How to apply 1 Kings 18:31 to your life
Consider what foundations you have in your life that shape your identity. Reflect on your community and the values that bind you together. Just as Elijah used stones to remind the people of their heritage, think about how you can honor your own roots and commitments. This can strengthen your faith and relationships with others. Embrace the story that connects you to your community and to God’s promises in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Elijah's story: Fire on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:17–40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Elijah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 18:31
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 18:31
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What do the twelve stones represent in 1 Kings 18:31?
The twelve stones represent the twelve tribes of Israel, which descended from Jacob. Each stone symbolizes the unity and identity of God's chosen people, reminding them of their heritage and the promises made to them by God.
Why did Elijah use stones to build the altar?
Elijah used stones to build the altar as a physical representation of the twelve tribes of Israel. This act was meant to call the people back to their roots, emphasizing their shared identity and relationship with God, and to remind them of their commitments and heritage.
What is the significance of Jacob being renamed Israel?
Jacob was renamed Israel by God, which signifies a transformation and a new identity. This change highlights the covenant relationship between God and Jacob's descendants, marking them as His chosen people and establishing their collective identity as the nation of Israel.
How can we apply the message of 1 Kings 18:31 to our lives today?
We can apply the message by reflecting on our own foundations and the values that shape our identity. Just as Elijah used stones to honor heritage, we should consider how to acknowledge our roots and commitments, strengthening our faith and relationships within our communities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.