1 Kings 1:47

Authorized King James Version

And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
בָּ֜אוּ
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
עַבְדֵ֣י
servants
a servant
#4
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
And moreover the king's
a king
#5
לְ֠בָרֵךְ
to bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אֲדֹנֵ֜ינוּ
our lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#8
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
And moreover the king's
a king
#9
דָּוִד֮
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#10
לֵאמֹר֒
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
יֵיטֵ֨ב
better
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#12
אֱלֹהִ֜יך
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
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
מִשְּׁמֶ֔ךָ
make the ~
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#15
שְׁלֹמֹה֙
of Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#16
מִשְּׁמֶ֔ךָ
make the ~
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#17
וִֽיגַדֵּ֥ל
and make
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
מִכִּסְאֶ֑ךָ
his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#20
מִכִּסְאֶ֑ךָ
his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#21
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#22
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
And moreover the king's
a king
#23
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#24
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽב׃
himself upon the bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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

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