Elijah stands out as one of the most powerful prophets in the Old Testament. When people talk about God’s signs and wonders, Elijah’s stories always rise to the surface. But how many miracles did he actually perform? Let’s look closely at what the Bible tells us and tally up the supernatural events attributed to him.
Also read: The Story of Elijah and Elisha in the Bible
How Many Miracles?
The Bible records at least eight major miracles performed by the prophet Elijah. Some lists have more, depending on what you include or how you group the miracles, but eight covers the big moments that are clearly miraculous acts of God through Elijah. Below is a breakdown of each one, with context and Bible quotes for reference.
The Miracles of Elijah: List and Details
1. Drought Announced and Maintained
Elijah declared a drought on Israel as judgment for their idolatry. It lasted more than three years.
“As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” (1 Kings 17:1)
1 Kings 17:1
Not only did he declare it, but his prayers maintained this drought until God told him to announce rain again.
2. Supernatural Provision by Ravens
While hiding from King Ahab, Elijah was fed miraculously by ravens who brought him bread and meat.
“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and he drank from the brook.” (1 Kings 17:6)
1 Kings 17:6
3. Unlimited Flour and Oil for the Widow at Zarephath
A widow, about to run out of food, hosted Elijah. By God’s power, her supply never ran out during the drought.
“The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” (1 Kings 17:16)
1 Kings 17:16
4. Raising the Widow’s Son from the Dead
This is one of the clearest displays of God’s power through Elijah – bringing a dead boy back to life.
“The Lord heard Elijah’s cry and the boy’s life returned to him and he lived.” (1 Kings 17:22)
1 Kings 17:22
5. Fire from Heaven on Mount Carmel
On Mount Carmel, Elijah called down fire from heaven to prove the Lord is God, defeating the prophets of Baal.
“Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil and also licked up the water in the trench.” (1 Kings 18:38)
1 Kings 18:38
6. Rain Returned After Drought
After three years, Elijah prayed and rain returned to Israel. This ended the famine and demonstrated God’s mercy.
“Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel.” (1 Kings 18:45)
1 Kings 18:45
7. Supernatural Strength to Run Ahead of Ahab’s Chariot
Elijah experienced a surge of strength that let him outrun King Ahab’s horse – drawn chariot ahead to Jezreel.
“The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.” (1 Kings 18:46)
1 Kings 18:46
8. Fire Consumes Captain and Soldiers
Twice, groups sent to capture Elijah were destroyed when he called down fire from heaven.
“Elijah answered the captain, ‘If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!’ Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men.” (2 Kings 1:10)
2 Kings 1:10
This happened a second time with another group (2 Kings 1:12).
Elijah’s Legacy Compared to Elisha’s Miracles
Elijah’s miracles set a foundation for Elisha, his successor, who asked for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit. The Bible records about twice as many miracles for Elisha as for Elijah, which fits the narrative theme and teaches about God’s ongoing power through faithful servants.
Final Takeaway
Elijah performed eight (or a few more, depending on how you count) spectacular miracles that are recorded in the Bible. Each miracle pointed Israel back to the true God. When you read about Elijah, you see a life marked by faith, courage and all of it validated by visible, powerful acts that changed history.
