1 Chronicles 12:31

Authorized King James Version

And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמֵֽחֲצִי֙
And of the half
the half or middle
#2
מַטֵּ֣ה
tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#3
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה
eighteen
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#5
עָשָׂ֖ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#6
אָ֑לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
נִקְּבוּ֙
which were expressed
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
#9
בְּשֵׁמ֔וֹת
by name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#10
לָב֖וֹא
to come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
לְהַמְלִ֥יךְ
king
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
דָּוִֽיד׃
and make David
david, the youngest son of jesse

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