1 Chronicles 1:10

Authorized King James Version

And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכ֖וּשׁ

H3568

And Cush

cush (or ethiopia), the name of an israelite

יָלַ֣ד

H3205

begat

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נִמְר֑וֹד

H5248

Nimrod

nimrod, a son of cush

ה֣וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הֵחֵ֔ל

H2490

he began

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

לִֽהְי֥וֹת

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

גִּבּ֖וֹר

H1368

to be mighty

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

upon the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Chronicles's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?