1 Kings 1:27

Authorized King James Version

Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִ֗ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
מֵאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֲדֹנִֽי
by my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#4
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
the king
a king
#5
נִֽהְיָ֖ה
done
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
הַדָּבָ֣ר
Is this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
הוֹדַ֙עְתָּ֙
and thou hast not shewed
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
עַבְדְּיךָ֔
it unto thy servant
a servant
#12
מִ֗י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#13
יֵשֵׁ֛ב
who should sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
כִּסֵּ֥א
on the throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#16
אֲדֹנִֽי
by my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#17
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
the king
a king
#18
אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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

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