1 Kings 11:13

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רַ֤ק

H7535

Howbeit

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הַמַּמְלָכָה֙

H4467

all the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

אֶקְרָ֔ע

H7167

I will not rend away

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

שֵׁ֥בֶט

H7626

tribe

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

אֶחָ֖ד

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֶתֵּ֣ן

H5414

but will give

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

#10

לִבְנֶ֑ךָ

H1121

to thy son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#12

דָּוִ֣ד

H1732

for David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#13

עַבְדִּ֔י

H5650

my servant's

a servant

#14

וּלְמַ֥עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#15

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

sake and for Jerusalem's

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#16

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#17

בָּחָֽרְתִּי׃

H977

sake which I have chosen

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

Related Resources

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

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps