1 Kings 10:4

Authorized King James Version

And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֙רֶא֙
had seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
מַֽלְכַּת
And when the queen
a queen
#3
שְׁבָ֔א
of Sheba
sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district
#4
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
חָכְמַ֣ת
wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#7
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
all Solomon's
shelomah, david's successor
#8
וְהַבַּ֖יִת
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
בָּנָֽה׃
that he had built
to build (literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of wisdom 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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