1 Kings 10:7

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶאֱמַ֣נְתִּי

H539

Howbeit I believed

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לַדְּבָרִ֗ים

H1697

not the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עַ֤ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

בָּ֙אתִי֙

H935

until I came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַתִּרְאֶ֣ינָה

H7200

had seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵינַ֔י

H5869

and mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

הֻגַּד

H5046

was not told

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#12

לִ֖י

#13

הַחֵ֑צִי

H2677

it and behold the half

the half or middle

#14

הוֹסַ֤פְתָּ

H3254

exceedeth

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#15

חָכְמָה֙

H2451

me thy wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

#16

וָט֔וֹב

H2896

and prosperity

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

הַשְּׁמוּעָ֖ה

H8052

the fame

something heard, i.e., an announcement

#19

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#20

שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃

H8085

which I heard

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

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding wisdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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