1 Kings 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲדֹֽנִיָּ֧ה

H138

Then Adonijah

adonijah, the name of three israelites

בֶן

H1121

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

חַגִּ֛ית

H2294

of Haggith

chaggith, a wife of david

מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לֵאמֹ֖ר

H559

himself saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנִ֣י

H589

אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ

H4427

I will be king

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ

H6213

and he prepared

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֗וֹ

#10

רֶ֚כֶב

H7393

him chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

#11

וּפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים

H6571

and horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

#12

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים

H2572

and fifty

fifty

#13

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#14

רָצִ֥ים

H7323

to run

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

#15

לְפָנָֽיו׃

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps