1 Kings 12:11

Authorized King James Version

And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
אָבִ֗י
H1
And now whereas my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
הֶעְמִ֤יס
did lade
to load, i.e., impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)
#4
עֲלֵיכֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
עֻלְּכֶ֑ם
to your yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
#6
כָּבֵ֔ד
you with a heavy
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
#7
וַֽאֲנִ֖י
i
#8
אוֹסִ֣יף
I will add
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#9
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עֻלְּכֶ֑ם
to your yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
#11
אָבִ֗י
H1
And now whereas my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
אֲיַסֵּ֥ר
but I will chastise
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#13
אֶתְכֶם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בַּשּׁוֹטִ֔ים
you with whips
a lash (literally or figuratively)
#15
וַֽאֲנִ֕י
i
#16
אֲיַסֵּ֥ר
but I will chastise
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#17
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
בָּֽעַקְרַבִּֽים׃
you with scorpions
a scorpion; figuratively, a scourge or knotted whip

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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