1 Kings 1:3

Authorized King James Version

So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙
So they sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#2
נַֽעֲרָ֣ה
damsel
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#3
יָפָ֔ה
for a fair
beautiful (literally or figuratively)
#4
בְּכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
גְּב֣וּל
throughout all the coasts
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וַֽיִּמְצְא֗וּ
and found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֲבִישַׁג֙
H49
Abishag
abishag, a concubine of david
#10
הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
a Shunammite
a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem
#11
וַיָּבִ֥אוּ
and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
אֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
לַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
her to the king
a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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