1 Kings 12:25

Authorized King James Version

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֖בֶן
built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
יָֽרָבְעָ֧ם
Then Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
שְׁכֶ֛ם
Shechem
shekem, a place in palestine
#5
בְּהַ֥ר
in mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#6
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#7
וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב
and dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בָּ֑הּ
H0
#9
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
therein and went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
מִשָּׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#11
וַיִּ֖בֶן
built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
פְּנוּאֵֽל׃
Penuel
penuel or peniel, a place east of jordan; also (as penuel) the name of two israelites

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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