1 Kings 11:37

Authorized King James Version

And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֹֽתְךָ֣
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
אֶקַּ֔ח
H3947
And I will take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
וּמָ֣לַכְתָּ֔
H4427
thee and thou shalt reign
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#4
בְּכֹ֥ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
תְּאַוֶּ֖ה
H183
desireth
to wish for
#7
נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ
H5315
according to all that thy soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#8
וְהָיִ֥יתָ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
מֶּ֖לֶךְ
H4428
and shalt be king
a king
#10
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
over Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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