1 Kings 18:15
New International Version
Elijah said, “As the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”

New Living Translation
But Elijah said, “I swear by the LORD Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day.”

English Standard Version
And Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today.”

King James Bible
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

New King James Version
Then Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today.”

New American Standard Bible
Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of armies lives, before whom I stand, I will certainly present myself to him today.”

NASB 1995
Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.”

NASB 1977
And Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Elijah said, “As Yahweh of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.”

Amplified Bible
Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts (armies) lives, before whom I stand, I will certainly show myself to Ahab today.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Elijah said, “As the LORD of Armies lives, in whose presence I stand, today I will present myself to Ahab.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Elijah said, “As the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, today I will present myself to Ahab.”

American Standard Version
And Elijah said, As Jehovah of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself unto him to-day.

Contemporary English Version
Elijah said, "I'm a servant of the living LORD All-Powerful, and I swear in his name that I will meet with Ahab today."

English Revised Version
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him today.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Elijah said, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD of Armies whom I serve lives, I will present myself to Ahab."

Good News Translation
Elijah answered, "By the living LORD Almighty, whom I serve, I promise that I will present myself to the king today."

International Standard Version
But Elijah promised him, "As the LORD of the Heavenly Armies lives, in whose presence I stand, I will appear to Ahab today."

Majority Standard Bible
Then Elijah said, ?As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today.?

NET Bible
But Elijah said, "As certainly as the LORD who rules over all lives (whom I serve), I will make an appearance before him today."

New Heart English Bible
Elijah said, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him to-day.

World English Bible
Elijah said, “As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Elijah says, “YHWH of Hosts lives, before whom I have stood, surely I appear to him today.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Elijah saith, 'Jehovah of Hosts liveth, before whom I have stood, surely to-day I appear unto him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Elijah will say to him, Jehovah of armies lives whom I stand before him that this day, I will be seen to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Elias said: As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whose face I stand, this day I will shew myself unto him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Elijah said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whose face I stand, this day I will appear to him.”

New American Bible
Elijah answered, “As the LORD of hosts lives, whom I serve, I will present myself to him today.”

New Revised Standard Version
Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Elyah said: “Living is LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts before whom I stand, but today I shall appear to him!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Elijah said: 'As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself unto him to-day.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Eliu said, As the Lord of Hosts before whom I stand lives, to-day I will appear before him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elijah Confronts Ahab
14And now you say, ‘Go tell your lord that Elijah is here!’ He will kill me!” 15Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today.”

Cross References
Exodus 3:12
“I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”

1 Samuel 17:45
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 5:16
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.

Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.


Treasury of Scripture

And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him to day.

As the Lord

1 Kings 18:10
As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

Hebrews 6:16,17
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife…

of hosts liveth

Genesis 2:1
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

Deuteronomy 4:19
And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

Job 25:3
Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

before whom I

1 Kings 17:1
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Deuteronomy 1:38
But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

Luke 1:19
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

I will surely

Isaiah 51:7,8
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings…

Jump to Previous
Ahab Almighty Appear Armies Elijah Eli'jah Hosts Life Present Servant Serve Shew Show Stand Surely Today To-Day
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Ahab Almighty Appear Armies Elijah Eli'jah Hosts Life Present Servant Serve Shew Show Stand Surely Today To-Day
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














Then Elijah said,
Elijah, a prophet of God, is a central figure in the narrative of 1 Kings. His name means "My God is Yahweh," which reflects his mission to turn Israel back to the worship of the one true God. Elijah's role as a prophet is to speak God's truth to the people and their leaders, often in times of apostasy and idolatry.

“As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives,
The phrase "LORD of Hosts" refers to God as the commander of the heavenly armies, emphasizing His supreme power and authority. This title underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes despite human opposition. The affirmation of God's life is a declaration of His eternal existence and faithfulness, contrasting with the lifeless idols worshiped by many in Israel at the time.

before whom I stand,
This phrase indicates Elijah's position as a servant and messenger of God. To "stand before" someone in biblical terms often implies service and readiness to act on behalf of the one before whom you stand. Elijah's life and ministry are characterized by his obedience and dedication to God's commands, similar to the role of angels who stand before God (Luke 1:19).

I will present myself to Ahab today.”
Ahab was the king of Israel, known for his wickedness and for leading the nation into idolatry, particularly through the influence of his wife, Jezebel. Elijah's willingness to confront Ahab demonstrates his courage and faithfulness to God's mission. This meeting sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, where God would demonstrate His power over the false god Baal. Elijah's actions here prefigure the boldness of John the Baptist and even Jesus Christ, who confronted the religious and political leaders of their time with the truth of God's word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A prophet of God known for his boldness and faithfulness. He is central to this passage as he prepares to confront King Ahab.

2. Ahab
The King of Israel, known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into sin.

3. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority.

4. Mount Carmel
The location where Elijah would later confront the prophets of Baal, demonstrating God's power.

5. The Confrontation
This event sets the stage for the dramatic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, highlighting God's supremacy.
Teaching Points
Faith in Action
Elijah's willingness to confront Ahab demonstrates the importance of acting on our faith, even in the face of danger.

God's Sovereignty
Recognizing God as the LORD of Hosts reminds us of His ultimate control over all situations, encouraging us to trust Him fully.

Standing Firm
Like Elijah, we are called to stand firm in our convictions, even when it is unpopular or risky.

Divine Appointment
Elijah's encounter with Ahab was divinely orchestrated, teaching us to be attentive to God's timing and purposes in our lives.

Courage through Faith
Elijah's courage came from his faith in God, encouraging us to seek strength from our relationship with the Lord.Verse 15. - And Elijah said, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand [This formula should be compared with that of 1 Kings 17:1. The repetition is suggestive as exhibiting the habit of the man. He was the ready and patient slave of Jehovah. The צְבָאותis apparently introduced not so much to "elevate the solemnity of the oath" (Keil, Bahr) - for surely Elijah would wish to make the affirmation of 1 Kings 17:1 as strong and solemn as possible - nor yet to convey the meaning that "it is not Baal or Ashtaroth who are the rulers of the heavenly bodies" (Wordsworth), for Obadiah knew that perfectly well, but because it was thus better adapted for a believer. In addressing Ahab it suited Elijah's purpose better to give prominence to the idea that Jehovah was "the God of Israel"], I win surely show myself unto him today.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Elijah
אֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ (’ê·lî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 452: Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites

said,
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“As surely as the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָא֔וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

lives,
חַ֚י (ḥay)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

before
לְפָנָ֑יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

whom
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I stand,
עָמַ֖דְתִּי (‘ā·maḏ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

I will present myself
אֵרָאֶ֥ה (’ê·rā·’eh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

to Ahab
אֵלָֽיו׃ (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

today.”
הַיּ֖וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT History: 1 Kings 18:15 Elijah said As Yahweh of Armies lives (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 18:14
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