1 Chronicles 21:6

Authorized King James Version

But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֵוִי֙
But Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#2
וּבִנְיָמִ֔ן
and Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#3
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
פָקַ֖ד
counted
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#5
בְּתוֹכָ֑ם
he not among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
נִתְעַ֥ב
was abominable
to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest
#8
דְּבַר
word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
them for the king's
a king
#10
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#11
יוֹאָֽב׃
to Joab
joab, the name of three israelites

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 revelation 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

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