1 Kings 10:12

Authorized King James Version

And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
עֲצֵ֤י
trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#5
אַלְמֻגִּים֙
no such almug
almug (i.e., probably sandle-wood) sticks
#6
מִסְעָ֤ד
pillars
a balustrade (for stairs)
#7
וּלְבֵ֣ית
for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
וּלְבֵ֣ית
for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#11
וְכִנֹּר֥וֹת
harps
a harp
#12
וּנְבָלִ֖ים
also and psalteries
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
#13
לַשָּׁרִ֑ים
for singers
to sing
#14
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
בָא
there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
כֵ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#17
עֲצֵ֤י
trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#18
אַלְמֻגִּים֙
no such almug
almug (i.e., probably sandle-wood) sticks
#19
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
נִרְאָ֔ה
nor were seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#21
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#22
הַיּ֥וֹם
unto this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#23
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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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