1 Chronicles 21:4

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּדְבַר
word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#2
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
Nevertheless the king's
a king
#3
חָזַ֣ק
prevailed
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
יוֹאָ֗ב
Wherefore Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#6
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
departed
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#7
יוֹאָ֗ב
Wherefore Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#8
וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙
and went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
throughout all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
to Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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