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First Book of Kings, Chapter 18

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1 Kings 18 NWT - New World Translation1 Kings 18 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 18 of 1 Kings—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ And it came about [after] many days1 that Jehovah’s own word came to E·liʹjah in the third year, saying: “Go, show yourself to Aʹhab, as I am determined to give rain[a] upon the surface of the ground.”2
  2. Accordingly E·liʹjah went to show himself to Aʹhab, while the famine was severe3 in Sa·marʹi·a.
  3. ¶ Meantime, Aʹhab called O·ba·diʹah,[b] who was over the household.4 (Now O·ba·diʹah himself had proved to be one greatly fearing5 Jehovah.
  4. Hence it came about that when Jezʹe·bel6 cut off Jehovah’s prophets,7 O·ba·diʹah proceeded to take a hundred prophets and keep them hid by fifties in a cave, and he supplied them bread and water.)8
  5. And Aʹhab went on to say to O·ba·diʹah: “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the torrent valleys. Perhaps we may find green grass,9 that we may preserve the horses and mules alive and may not have [any more] of the beasts cut off.”10
  6. So they divided between themselves the land through which to pass. Aʹhab himself went alone by one way, and O·ba·diʹah himself went alone by another way.11
  7. ¶ As O·ba·diʹah continued on the way, why, there was E·liʹjah to meet him.12 At once he recognized him and fell upon his face13 and said: “Is this you, my lord14 E·liʹjah?”
  8. At this he said to him: “It is I. Go, say to your lord,15 ‘Here is E·liʹjah.’”
  9. But he said: “What sin16 have I committed that you should be putting your servant into the hand of Aʹhab to put me to death?
  10. As Jehovah your God is living,17 there is not a nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to look for you. After they had said, ‘He is not [here],’ he made the kingdom and the nation swear that they could not find you.18
  11. And now you are saying, ‘Go, say to your lord: “Here is E·liʹjah.”’
  12. And it is bound to occur that, when I myself go from you, then the spirit19 of Jehovah itself will carry you away to where I shall not know; and I shall have come to tell Aʹhab, and he will not find you, and he will be bound to kill20 me, as your servant himself has feared Jehovah from his youth.21
  13. Has not my lord been told what I did when Jezʹe·bel killed the prophets of Jehovah, how I kept some of the prophets of Jehovah hid, a hundred men by fifties in a cave,22 and kept supplying them bread and water?23
  14. And now you are saying, ‘Go, say to your lord: “Here is E·liʹjah.”’ And he will be bound to kill me.”24
  15. However, E·liʹjah said: “As Jehovah of armies25 before whom I do stand[c] is living,26 today I shall show myself to him.”
  16. ¶ Accordingly O·ba·diʹah went off to meet Aʹhab and told him; and so Aʹhab went to meet E·liʹjah.
  17. ¶ And it came about that, as soon as Aʹhab saw E·liʹjah, Aʹhab immediately said to him: “Is this you, the bringer of ostracism upon Israel?”27
  18. ¶ To this he said: “I have not brought ostracism28 upon Israel, but you and the house of your father have,29 because YOU men have left the commandments of Jehovah,30 and you went following the Baʹals.31
  19. And now send, collect together all Israel to me at Mount Carʹmel32 and also the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baʹal33 and the four hundred prophets of the sacred pole,34 who are eating at the table of Jezʹe·bel.”35
  20. And Aʹhab proceeded to send among all the sons of Israel and collect the prophets36 together at Mount Carʹmel.
  21. ¶ Then E·liʹjah approached all the people and said: “How long will YOU be limping upon two different opinions?[d]37 If Jehovah is the [true] God,[e] go following him;38 but if Baʹal is, go following him.” And the people did not say a word in answer to him.
  22. And E·liʹjah went on to say to the people: “I myself have been left as a prophet of Jehovah,39 I alone, while the prophets of Baʹal are four hundred and fifty men.
  23. Now let them give us two young bulls, and let them choose for themselves one young bull and cut it in pieces and put it upon the wood, but they should not put fire to it. And I myself shall dress the other young bull, and I must place it upon the wood, but I shall not put fire to it.
  24. And YOU must call upon the name of YOUR god,[f]40 and I, for my part, shall call upon the name of Jehovah; and it must occur that the [true] God[g] that answers by fire41 is the [true] God.”[h]42 To this all the people answered and said: “The thing is good.”
  25. ¶ E·liʹjah now said to the prophets of Baʹal:[i] “Choose for yourselves one young bull and dress it first, because YOU are the majority; and call upon the name of YOUR god, but YOU must not put fire to it.”
  26. Accordingly they took the young bull that he gave them. Then they dressed it, and they kept calling upon the name of Baʹal from morning till noon, saying: “O Baʹal, answer us!” But there was no voice,43 and there was no one answering.44 And they kept limping around the altar that they had made.
  27. And it came about at noon that E·liʹjah began to mock45 them and say: “Call at the top of YOUR voice,[j] for he is a god;46 for he must be concerned with a matter, and he has excrement47 and has to go to the privy.48 Or maybe he is asleep and ought to wake up!”49
  28. And they began calling at the top of their voice and cutting50 themselves according to their custom with daggers and with lances, until they caused blood to flow out upon them.
  29. And it came about that, as soon as noon was past and they continued behaving as prophets51 until the going up of the grain offering, there was no voice, and there was no one answering, and there was no paying of attention.52
  30. ¶ At length E·liʹjah said to all the people: “Approach me.” So all the people approached him. Then he proceeded to mend the altar of Jehovah that was torn down.53
  31. So E·liʹjah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom Jehovah’s word had come,54 saying: “Israel is what your name will become.”55
  32. And he went on to build the stones into an altar56 in the name of Jehovah57 and to make a trench, of about the area sowed with two seah[k] measures of seed, all around the altar.
  33. After that he put the pieces of wood58 in order and cut the young bull in pieces and placed it upon the pieces of wood. He now said: “FILL four large jars with water and pour it upon the burnt offering and upon the pieces of wood.”
  34. Then he said: “Do it again.” So they did it again. But he said: “Do it a third time.” So they did it a third time.
  35. Thus the water went all around the altar, and the trench also he filled with water.
  36. ¶ And it came about at the time59 that the grain offering goes up that E·liʹjah the prophet began to approach and say: “O Jehovah, the God of Abraham,60 Isaac61 and Israel,62 today let it be known that you are God in Israel63 and I am your servant and it is by your word64 that I have done all these things.
  37. Answer me, O Jehovah, answer me, that this people may know that you, Jehovah,65 are the [true] God[l] and you yourself have turned their heart back.”66
  38. ¶ At that the fire67 of Jehovah came falling and went eating up the burnt68 offering and the pieces of wood and the stones and the dust, and the water that was in the trench it licked up.69
  39. When all the people saw it, they immediately fell upon their faces70 and said: “Jehovah is the [true] God! Jehovah is the [true] God!”
  40. Then E·liʹjah said to them: “Seize the prophets of Baʹal! Do not let a single one of them escape!” At once they seized them, and E·liʹjah then brought them down to the torrent valley of Kiʹshon71 and slaughtered them there.72
  41. ¶ E·liʹjah now said to Aʹhab: “Go up, eat and drink;73 for there is the sound of the turmoil of a downpour.”74
  42. And Aʹhab proceeded to go up to eat and drink. As for E·liʹjah, he went up to the top of Carʹmel and began crouching to the earth75 and keeping his face put between his knees.76
  43. Then he said to his attendant: “Go up, please. Look in the direction of the sea.” So he went up and looked and then said: “There is nothing at all.” And he went on to say, “Go back,” for seven times.77
  44. And it came about at the seventh time that he got to say: “Look! There is a small cloud like a man’s palm ascending out of the sea.”78 He now said: “Go up, say to Aʹhab, ‘Hitch up!79 And go down that the downpour may not detain you!’”
  45. And it came about in the meantime that the heavens themselves darkened up with clouds and wind[m]80 and a great downpour began to occur.81 And Aʹhab kept riding and made his way to Jezʹre·el.82
  46. And the very hand of Jehovah proved to be upon E·liʹjah,83 so that he girded up his hips84 and went running ahead of Aʹhab all the way to Jezʹre·el.85

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ Or, “and let me give rain.”
  2. ^ Meaning “Servant of Jehovah.” Heb., ʽO·vadh·yaʹhu.
  3. ^ Or, “upon whom I do attend.”
  4. ^ Or, “two crutches,” KB, p. 663.
  5. ^ “The [true] God.” Heb., ha·ʼElo·himʹ, with the definite article ha, “the,” preceding the title ʼElo·himʹ. This is done for emphasis in contrast with the false god Baal. See App 1F.
  6. ^ “Your god.” Heb., ʼelo·heh·khemʹ, pl. of ʼelohʹah, referring to the false god Baal.
  7. ^ “The [true] God.” Heb., ha·ʼElo·himʹ, followed by the relative clause “that answers by fire.”
  8. ^ “The [true] God.” Heb., ha·ʼElo·himʹ, absolute, in the predicate. See App 1F.
  9. ^ Lit., “the Baal.” Heb., hab·Baʹʽal.
  10. ^ Lit., “Call with a great voice.”
  11. ^ A seah equaled 7.33 L (6.66 dry qt).
  12. ^ Lit., “Jehovah, the [true] God.” Heb., Yehwahʹ ha·ʼElo·himʹ; Gr., Kyʹri·os ho The·osʹ; Lat., Doʹmi·nus Deʹus.
  13. ^ “And wind.” Heb., weruʹach; Gr., pneuʹma·ti; Lat., venʹtus. Compare Ge 1:2 ftn, “Force”; Ge 8:1 ftn.

REFERENCES

  1. ^ Lu 4:25; Jm 5:17
  2. ^ Ps 65:9, 10; Je 14:22; Mt 5:45
  3. ^ Le 26:26; De 28:24; La 4:9
  4. ^ Ge 24:2; 39:4
  5. ^ Pr 8:13; 14:26; Ml 3:16; Ac 10:2
  6. ^ 1Ki 16:31
  7. ^ Ne 9:26; Ps 105:15
  8. ^ Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42
  9. ^ Ps 104:14
  10. ^ Je 14:5; Jl 1:18
  11. ^ Je 14:3
  12. ^ 2Ki 1:8
  13. ^ 1Sa 25:23
  14. ^ 2Ki 8:12
  15. ^ 1Pe 2:17
  16. ^ 1Ki 17:18
  17. ^ De 6:13; 1Ki 1:29
  18. ^ 1Ki 17:3, 9
  19. ^ 2Ki 2:16; Eze 3:12; Mt 4:1; Ac 8:39
  20. ^ Pr 16:14
  21. ^ Ps 18:21; 71:17; Pr 8:13; Ec 7:18; 12:1; Is 50:10
  22. ^ 1Ki 18:4
  23. ^ Mt 25:35
  24. ^ Pr 22:3
  25. ^ 1Sa 4:4; Ps 24:10
  26. ^ De 6:13; Is 49:18
  27. ^ Ac 24:13; 2Pe 2:10; Jd 8
  28. ^ Jos 7:25
  29. ^ Eze 3:8
  30. ^ Ex 20:4; 1Ki 9:9; Je 2:13
  31. ^ 1Ki 16:31
  32. ^ Jos 19:26; 2Ki 2:25; Je 46:18; Am 1:2
  33. ^ Eze 13:3
  34. ^ 1Ki 16:33
  35. ^ 1Ki 19:1
  36. ^ 1Ki 22:6
  37. ^ De 4:35; 2Ki 17:41; Is 42:8; Je 2:11; Ho 10:2; Mt 12:30; 1Co 10:21; 2Co 6:14
  38. ^ Ex 20:5; Jos 24:15; 1Sa 7:3; Ps 100:3
  39. ^ 1Ki 19:10
  40. ^ Jg 6:31
  41. ^ De 4:24
  42. ^ Le 9:24; Jg 6:21; 1Ch 21:26; 2Ch 7:1
  43. ^ Ps 115:7
  44. ^ Ps 115:5; 135:16; Is 44:18; 45:20; Je 10:5; Da 5:23; Hab 2:18; 1Co 8:4; 10:19; 12:2
  45. ^ Je 10:15
  46. ^ Is 41:23
  47. ^ Mt 15:17
  48. ^ Jg 3:24; 1Sa 24:3
  49. ^ Ps 121:4; 135:17; Is 40:28
  50. ^ Le 19:28; De 14:1
  51. ^ 1Sa 18:10; 1Ki 22:10
  52. ^ Is 44:20; Ga 4:8
  53. ^ 1Ki 19:14
  54. ^ Ex 24:4; Jos 4:3
  55. ^ Ge 32:28; 33:20; 35:10; 2Ki 17:34; Is 48:1
  56. ^ Ex 20:25; De 27:6
  57. ^ Ge 13:18; De 12:27; 1Ki 18:24
  58. ^ Ge 22:9; Le 1:7
  59. ^ Ex 29:41; Ps 141:2; Ac 3:1
  60. ^ Ge 26:24; 2Ch 20:7
  61. ^ Ge 28:13; 31:53; 32:9; 46:3
  62. ^ 1Ch 29:18; Mt 22:32
  63. ^ Ex 20:2; Ps 83:18; Eze 36:23
  64. ^ Nu 16:28; 2Sa 7:21; Jn 11:42
  65. ^ 2Ch 14:11; Ps 96:5; Is 44:6; Da 4:37
  66. ^ Je 31:18; Eze 18:32; 33:11
  67. ^ Le 9:24; Jg 6:21; 2Ch 7:1
  68. ^ 1Ki 18:23
  69. ^ 1Ki 18:24
  70. ^ 2Ch 7:3; Jm 4:10
  71. ^ Jg 5:21; Ps 83:9
  72. ^ De 13:5; 18:20
  73. ^ Ec 9:7
  74. ^ 1Ki 17:1; Zc 10:1
  75. ^ Jos 7:6; Jm 5:16
  76. ^ Ps 89:7; Heb 12:28; Jm 5:17
  77. ^ Lu 18:7
  78. ^ Lu 12:54
  79. ^ Mc 1:13
  80. ^ Ps 107:25; 147:18; Jm 5:18
  81. ^ 1Sa 12:18; Jb 38:37; Ps 68:9
  82. ^ Jos 19:18; 1Ki 21:1
  83. ^ Is 8:11; Eze 3:14
  84. ^ Ex 12:11; 2Ki 4:29; 9:1; 1Pe 1:13
  85. ^ 1Sa 8:11; 1Pe 2:17

Read 1 Kings Chapter 18 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

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