1 Kings 10:22

Authorized King James Version

For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אֳנִ֣י
a navy
-a ship or (collectively) a fleet
#3
תַרְשִׁ֗ישׁ
of Tharshish
tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i
#4
לַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
For the king
a king
#5
בַּיָּ֔ם
had at sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#6
עִ֖ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
אֳנִ֣י
a navy
-a ship or (collectively) a fleet
#8
חִירָ֑ם
of Hiram
chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians
#9
אַחַת֩
once
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#10
לְשָׁלֹ֨שׁ
in three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#11
שָׁנִ֜ים
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
תָּב֣וֹא׀
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
אֳנִ֣י
a navy
-a ship or (collectively) a fleet
#14
תַרְשִׁ֗ישׁ
of Tharshish
tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i
#15
נֹֽשְׂאֵת֙
bringing
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#16
זָהָ֣ב
gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#17
וָכֶ֔סֶף
and silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#18
שֶׁנְהַבִּ֥ים
ivory
probably, tooth of elephants, i.e., ivory tusk
#19
וְקֹפִ֖ים
and apes
a monkey
#20
וְתֻכִּיִּֽים׃
and peacocks
probably of foreign derivation; some imported creature, probably a peacock

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources