1 Kings 1:12

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֕ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
לְכִ֛י
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
אִֽיעָצֵ֥ךְ
let me I pray thee give thee counsel
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#4
נָ֖א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#5
עֵצָ֑ה
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#6
וּמַלְּטִי֙
that thou mayest save
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
and the life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
and the life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#11
בְּנֵ֖ךְ
of thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃
Solomon
shelomah, david's successor

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Kings's theological argument.

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 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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