1 Kings 18:23
New International Version
Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it.

New Living Translation
Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it.

English Standard Version
Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it.

Berean Standard Bible
Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire.

King James Bible
Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

New King James Version
Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it.

New American Standard Bible
Now have them give us two oxen; and have them choose the one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it.

NASB 1995
“Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it.

NASB 1977
“Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox, and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but place no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and put it on the wood, and I will not place fire under it.

Amplified Bible
Now let them give us two oxen, and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it.

Christian Standard Bible
Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire.

American Standard Version
Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.

Contemporary English Version
Bring us two bulls. Baal's prophets can take one of them, kill it, and cut it into pieces. Then they can put the meat on the wood without lighting the fire. I will do the same thing with the other bull, and I won't light a fire under it either.

English Revised Version
Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Give us two bulls. Let the prophets of Baal choose one for themselves, cut it into pieces, lay it on the wood, but not set it on fire. I'll do the same with the other bull.

Good News Translation
Bring two bulls; let the prophets of Baal take one, kill it, cut it in pieces, and put it on the wood--but don't light the fire. I will do the same with the other bull.

International Standard Version
So let them provide two oxen. They can choose one ox for themselves. Cut it up, lay it on top of some wood, but don't set fire to it. I will prepare the other ox and lay it on top of some wood, and I won't set fire to it.

Majority Standard Bible
Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire.

NET Bible
Let them bring us two bulls. Let them choose one of the bulls for themselves, cut it up into pieces, and place it on the wood. But they must not set it on fire. I will do the same to the other bull and place it on the wood. But I will not set it on fire.

New Heart English Bible
Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. And I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it.

Webster's Bible Translation
Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

World English Bible
Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and let them give two bullocks to us, and they choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and place [it] on the wood, and place no fire; and I prepare the other bullock, and have put [it] on the wood, and I do not place fire—

Young's Literal Translation
and let them give to us two bullocks, and they choose for themselves the one bullock, and cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood, and place no fire; and I -- I prepare the other bullock, and have put it on the wood, and fire I do not place; --

Smith's Literal Translation
And they shall give to us two bullocks; and they shall choose for themselves the one bullock, and cut it in pieces and put upon woods, and put no fire: and I will do the other bullock and give upon woods, and put no fire:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Let two bullocks be given us, and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it upon wood, but put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Let two oxen be given to us. And let them choose one ox for themselves, and, cutting it into pieces, let them set it on the wood. But they may not place fire under it. And I will prepare the other ox, and set it on the wood. But I will not place fire under it.

New American Bible
Give us two young bulls. Let them choose one, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood, but start no fire. I shall prepare the other and place it on the wood, but shall start no fire.

New Revised Standard Version
Let two bulls be given to us; let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it; I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it on wood and put no fire under; and I will prepare the other bullock and cut it in pieces and lay it on wood and put no fire under it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Let them give us two oxen and they will select for themselves one bull and they shall cut it in pieces, and they shall put on wood, and they shall not set fire to it, and I shall prepare one bull and I shall cut it in pieces, and I shall set on wood and I shall not set fire to it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Let them give us two oxen, and let them choose one for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire on the wood: and I will dress the other bullock, and put on no fire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elijah on Mount Carmel
22Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24Then you may call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered, “What you say is good.”…

Cross References
Exodus 29:38-42
This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. / Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight. / With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives, and a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine. ...

Leviticus 1:3-9
If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. / And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. ...

Numbers 23:1-4
Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” / So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. / “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height, ...

Deuteronomy 12:13-14
Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; / you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you.

Judges 6:25-27
On that very night the LORD said to Gideon, “Take your father’s young bull and a second bull seven years old, tear down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. / Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.” / So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime.

1 Samuel 7:9-10
Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. / As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel.

1 Samuel 18:17-19
Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

1 Kings 8:62-64
Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. / And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD. / On that same day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD, and there he offered the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, since the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to contain all these offerings.

2 Chronicles 7:1-3
When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. / The priests were unable to enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled it. / When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”

Psalm 20:3
May He remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Selah

Isaiah 44:15-17
It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread. He also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. / He burns half of it in the fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. Indeed, he warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” / From the rest he makes a god, his graven image. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.”

Jeremiah 33:18
nor will the priests who are Levites ever fail to have a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to present sacrifices.”

Ezekiel 43:18-27
Then He said to me: “Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘These are the statutes for the altar on the day it is constructed, so that burnt offerings may be sacrificed on it and blood may be splattered on it: / You are to give a young bull from the herd as a sin offering to the Levitical priests who are of the family of Zadok, who approach Me to minister before Me, declares the Lord GOD. / You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge, and all around the rim; thus you will cleanse the altar and make atonement for it. ...

Malachi 1:7-8
By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. / When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 3:4
John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.


Treasury of Scripture

Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

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Bull Bullock Bullocks Bulls Choose Cut Dress Fire Lay Ox Oxen Pieces Prepare Themselves Wood
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Bull Bullock Bullocks Bulls Choose Cut Dress Fire Lay Ox Oxen Pieces Prepare Themselves Wood
1 Kings 18
1. In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah
9. Obadiah brings Ahab to Elijah
17. Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven convinces Baal's prophets
41. Elijah, by prayer obtaining rain, follows Ahab to Jezreel














Get two bulls for us
The instruction to "get two bulls" is significant in the context of ancient Israelite sacrificial practices. Bulls were considered valuable offerings, symbolizing strength and wealth. The Hebrew word for "bull" is "par," which often denotes a young bull or steer, used in various sacrificial rites. This choice of animal underscores the gravity of the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The number "two" is also noteworthy, as it sets the stage for a direct comparison between the power of Yahweh and Baal, emphasizing the duality of the challenge.

Let them choose one bull for themselves
Elijah's directive to let the prophets of Baal "choose one bull for themselves" demonstrates fairness and confidence in the impending divine demonstration. By allowing them the first choice, Elijah removes any suspicion of trickery or bias. This act of choice is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "bachar," meaning to select or elect, which often carries connotations of divine election or favor. Here, it highlights the impartiality of the test and the sovereignty of God, who does not need human manipulation to prove His power.

cut it into pieces
The phrase "cut it into pieces" refers to the traditional method of preparing a burnt offering, as outlined in Levitical law (Leviticus 1:6). The Hebrew verb "nathach" means to divide or dissect, indicating a meticulous process of preparation. This act symbolizes the worshiper's submission and the offering's total dedication to God. In the context of 1 Kings 18, it also serves to heighten the drama of the narrative, as both parties prepare their sacrifices in anticipation of divine intervention.

and place it on the wood
Placing the cut pieces "on the wood" is a critical step in the sacrificial process. The wood, likely arranged in a specific manner, serves as the medium for the burnt offering. The Hebrew word "ets" for wood is often associated with the altar and sacrifice, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. In this narrative, the wood becomes the stage for God's miraculous response, contrasting the lifelessness of Baal with the living power of Yahweh.

but not light the fire
The instruction "but not light the fire" is central to the challenge. The Hebrew word "esh" for fire is a common symbol of divine presence and judgment throughout the Old Testament. By withholding the lighting of the fire, Elijah sets the conditions for a supernatural act, where only the true God can ignite the sacrifice. This stipulation underscores the futility of human effort in spiritual matters and the necessity of divine intervention.

And I will prepare the other bull
Elijah's commitment to "prepare the other bull" mirrors the actions of the prophets of Baal, ensuring that the conditions are identical for both parties. The Hebrew verb "asah," meaning to do or make, implies careful preparation and intention. Elijah's preparation is an act of faith, trusting in God's power to reveal Himself. This parallel preparation serves to eliminate any doubt about the authenticity of the forthcoming miracle.

and place it on the wood
Repeating the action of placing the bull "on the wood" reinforces the symmetry of the challenge. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the fairness and transparency of the test. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrificial system's role in Israelite worship, where offerings were a means of seeking God's favor and presence.

but not light the fire
The reiteration of "but not light the fire" highlights the central theme of divine power versus human impotence. This phrase bookends the verse, framing the narrative around the anticipated divine response. It serves as a powerful reminder that true worship and divine revelation are not products of human effort but are initiated and completed by God alone. This sets the stage for the dramatic demonstration of God's supremacy over Baal, affirming the faith of Elijah and the people of Israel.

Verse 23. - Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces [same word Exodus 29:17; Leviticus 1:6, 12; Judges 20:6], and lay it on wood [Heb. the woods], and put no fire under [Heb. and fire they shall not set to]: and I win dress [Heb. make, עָשָׂה, like ποιε1FC0;ιν in the LXX., is constantly used in a sacrificial sense = offer. Cf. Exodus 29:36, 38, 41; Leviticus 9:7; Leviticus 15:15; Judges 6:19, etc. This is to be remembered in interpreting our Lord's τοῦτο ποιε1FC0;ιτε κ.τ.λ. (Luke 22:19)] the other bullock, and lay it on wood [the wood], and put no fire under [and fire I will not set to]:

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Get
וְיִתְּנוּ־ (wə·yit·tə·nū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

two
שְׁנַ֣יִם (šə·na·yim)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

bulls
פָּרִ֗ים (pā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer

for us.
לָ֜נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

Let [the prophets of Baal] choose
וְיִבְחֲר֣וּ (wə·yiḇ·ḥă·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 977: To try, select

one
הָאֶחָ֜ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

bull
הַפָּ֨ר (hap·pār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer

for themselves,
לָהֶם֩ (lā·hem)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

cut it into pieces,
וִֽינַתְּחֻ֗הוּ (wî·nat·tə·ḥu·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5408: To cut up, cut in pieces, divide by joints

and place
וְיָשִׂ֙ימוּ֙ (wə·yā·śî·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

it on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the wood,
הָ֣עֵצִ֔ים (hā·‘ê·ṣîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

but not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

light
יָשִׂ֑ימוּ (yā·śî·mū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

the fire.
וְאֵ֖שׁ (wə·’êš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

And I
וַאֲנִ֞י (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will prepare
אֶעֱשֶׂ֣ה ׀ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the other
הָאֶחָ֗ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

bull
הַפָּ֣ר (hap·pār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer

and place
וְנָֽתַתִּי֙ (wə·nā·ṯat·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

it on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the wood,
הָ֣עֵצִ֔ים (hā·‘ê·ṣîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

but not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

light
אָשִֽׂים׃ (’ā·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

the fire.
וְאֵ֖שׁ (wə·’êš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire


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OT History: 1 Kings 18:23 Let them therefore give us two bulls (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
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