1 Kings 1:8

Authorized King James Version

But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְצָד֣וֹק
But Zadok
tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites
#2
הַ֠כֹּהֵן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
וּבְנָיָ֨הוּ
and Benaiah
benajah, the name of twelve israelites
#4
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
#5
יְהֽוֹיָדָ֜ע
of Jehoiada
jehojada, the name of three israelites
#6
וְנָתָ֤ן
and Nathan
nathan, the name of five israelites
#7
הַנָּבִיא֙
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#8
וְשִׁמְעִ֣י
and Shimei
shimi, the name of twenty israelites
#9
וְרֵעִ֔י
and Rei
rei, an israelite
#10
וְהַגִּבּוֹרִ֖ים
and the mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#11
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לְדָוִ֑ד
which belonged to David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#13
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
הָי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#16
אֲדֹֽנִיָּֽהוּ׃
were not with Adonijah
adonijah, the name of three israelites

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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