1 Kings 10:20

Authorized King James Version

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁנֵ֧ים
And twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#2
עָשָׂ֣ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#3
אֲרָיִ֗ים
lions
a lion
#4
עֹֽמְדִ֥ים
stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
שָׁ֛ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
שֵׁ֥שׁ
there on the one side and on the other upon the six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#8
הַֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
steps
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
#9
מִזֶּ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
וּמִזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#11
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
נַעֲשָׂ֥ה
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
כֵ֖ן
there was not the like
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#14
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
מַמְלָכֽוֹת׃
in any kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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