1 Kings 1:38

Authorized King James Version

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֣רֶד
went down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
צָד֣וֹק
So Zadok
tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites
#3
הַ֠כֹּהֵן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
וְנָתָ֨ן
and Nathan
nathan, the name of five israelites
#5
הַנָּבִ֜יא
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
וּבְנָיָ֣הוּ
and Benaiah
benajah, the name of twelve israelites
#7
בֶן
the 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
#8
יְהֽוֹיָדָ֗ע
of Jehoiada
jehojada, the name of three israelites
#9
וְהַכְּרֵתִי֙
and the Cherethites
a kerethite or life-guardsman
#10
וְהַפְּלֵתִ֔י
and the Pelethites
a courier (collectively) or official messenger
#11
וַיַּרְכִּ֙בוּ֙
to ride
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
and caused Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
פִּרְדַּ֖ת
mule
a she-mule
#16
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ
upon king
a king
#17
דָּוִ֑ד
David's
david, the youngest son of jesse
#18
וַיֹּלִ֥כוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#19
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
גִּחֽוֹן׃
him to Gihon
gichon, a river of paradise; also a valley (or pool) near jerusalem

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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

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