1 Kings 10:24

Authorized King James Version

And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכָ֨ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

And all the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים

H1245

sought

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה

H8010

Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

לִשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙

H8085

to hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חָכְמָת֔וֹ

H2451

his wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

#10

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

נָתַ֥ן

H5414

had put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

which God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#13

בְּלִבּֽוֹ׃

H3820

in his heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of wisdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about wisdom, 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 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 wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding wisdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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