1 Kings 11:25

Authorized King James Version

And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֨י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׂטָ֤ן

H7854

And he was an adversary

an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

Israel

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

כָּל

H3605

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

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

all the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה

H8010

of Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

וְאֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָֽרָעָ֖ה

H7451

beside the mischief

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

הֲדָ֑ד

H1908

that Hadad

hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title

#11

וַיָּ֙קָץ֙

H6973

did and he abhorred

to be (causatively, make) disgusted or anxious

#12

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

Israel

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

#13

וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ

H4427

and reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#14

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

אֲרָֽם׃

H758

over Syria

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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