1 Kings 11:16

(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:)

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֵׁ֧שֶׁת

H8337

For six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

חֳדָשִׁ֛ים

H2320

months

the new moon; by implication, a month

יָֽשַׁב

H3427

remain

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֥ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יוֹאָ֖ב

H3097

did Joab

joab, the name of three israelites

וְכָל

H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

there with all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַד

H5704

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

#10

הִכְרִ֥ית

H3772

until he had cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#11

כָּל

H3605

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

#12

זָכָ֖ר

H2145

every male

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

#13

בֶּֽאֱדֽוֹם׃

H123

in Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Study Resources

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