1 Kings 1:20

Authorized King James Version

And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
אֲדֹנִֽי
And thou my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#3
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
O king
a king
#4
עֵינֵ֥י
the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
עָלֶ֑יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
לְהַגִּ֣יד
are upon thee that thou shouldest tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#9
לָהֶ֔ם
H0
#10
מִ֗י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#11
יֵשֵׁ֛ב
them who shall sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
כִּסֵּ֥א
on the throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#14
אֲדֹנִֽי
And thou my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#15
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
O king
a king
#16
אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources