1 Kings 12:23

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹֽר׃
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
רְחַבְעָ֤ם
unto Rehoboam
rechabam, an israelite king
#4
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
שְׁלֹמֹה֙
of Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#6
מֶ֣לֶךְ
king
a king
#7
יְהוּדָ֖ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#8
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
בֵּ֥ית
and unto all the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
יְהוּדָ֖ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#12
וּבִנְיָמִ֑ין
and Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#13
וְיֶ֥תֶר
and to the remnant
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#14
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#15
לֵאמֹֽר׃
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of covenant community 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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