1 Kings 11:3

Authorized King James Version

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
ל֣וֹ
H0
#3
נָשָׁ֖יו
and his wives
a woman
#4
שָׂרוֹת֙
princesses
a mistress, i.e., female noble
#5
שְׁבַ֣ע
And he had seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#6
מֵא֑וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#7
וּפִֽלַגְשִׁ֖ים
concubines
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#8
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#9
מֵא֑וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#10
וַיַּטּ֥וּ
turned away
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#11
נָשָׁ֖יו
and his wives
a woman
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
לִבּֽוֹ׃
his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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