1 Chronicles 11:21

Authorized King James Version

Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#2
הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
Of the three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#3
בַשְּׁנַ֙יִם֙
than the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#4
נִכְבָּ֔ד
he was more honourable
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#5
וַיְהִ֥י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#7
לְשָׂ֑ר
for he was their captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#8
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
Of the three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#10
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
בָֽא׃
howbeit he attained
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection