1 Chronicles 12:14

Authorized King James Version

These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֥לֶּה
H428
these or those
#2
מִבְּנֵי
H1121
These were of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
גָ֖ד
H1410
of Gad
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
#4
רָאשֵׁ֣י
H7218
captains
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
הַצָּבָ֑א
H6635
of the host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#6
אֶחָ֤ד
H259
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
לְמֵאָה֙
H3967
was over an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
הַקָּטָ֔ן
H6996
of the least
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#9
וְהַגָּד֖וֹל
H1419
and the greatest
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
לְאָֽלֶף׃
H505
over a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 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