1 Kings 1:17

Authorized King James Version

And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
ל֗וֹ
H0
#3
אֲדֹנִי֙
unto him My lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#4
אַתָּ֨ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#5
נִשְׁבַּ֜עְתָּ
thou swarest
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#6
בַּֽיהוָ֤ה
by the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#8
לַֽאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ
unto thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave
#9
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
saying Assuredly Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#11
בְנֵ֖ךְ
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
יִמְלֹ֣ךְ
shall reign
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#13
אַֽחֲרָ֑י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#14
וְה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#15
יֵשֵׁ֥ב
me and he shall sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
כִּסְאִֽי׃
upon my throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 kingdom of God 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources