1 Chronicles 11:19

Authorized King James Version

And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֡אמֶר

H559

And said

to say (used with great latitude)

חָלִילָה֩

H2486

forbid

literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!

לִּ֨י

מֵֽאֱלֹהַ֜י

H430

My God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עָשׂ֔וּ

H6213

it These things did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹ֗את

H2063

this thing

this (often used adverb)

הֲדַ֣ם

H1818

the blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֩

H582

of these men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָאֵ֨לֶּה

H428

these or those

#10

לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם

H8354

not drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#11

בְנַפְשׁוֹתָ֣ם

H5315

for with the jeopardy of their lives

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#12

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

בְנַפְשׁוֹתָ֣ם

H5315

for with the jeopardy of their lives

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#14

הֱבִיא֔וּם

H935

they brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#15

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

אָבָ֖ה

H14

it Therefore he would

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

#17

לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם

H8354

not drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#18

אֵ֣לֶּה

H428

these or those

#19

עָשׂ֔וּ

H6213

it These things did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#20

שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת

H7969

these three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

#21

הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃

H1368

mightiest

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?