1 Kings 10:8

Authorized King James Version

Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַשְׁרֵ֖י
Happy
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
#2
אֲנָשֶׁ֔יךָ
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
אַשְׁרֵ֖י
Happy
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
#4
עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ
are these thy servants
a servant
#5
אֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#6
הָעֹֽמְדִ֤ים
which stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
תָּמִ֔יד
continually
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
#9
הַשֹּֽׁמְעִ֖ים
thee and that hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
חָכְמָתֶֽךָ׃
thy wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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