1 Kings 12:26

Authorized King James Version

And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יָֽרָבְעָ֖ם
And Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#3
בְּלִבּ֑וֹ
in his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
עַתָּ֛ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#5
תָּשׁ֥וּב
return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#6
הַמַּמְלָכָ֖ה
Now shall the kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#7
לְבֵ֥ית
to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
דָּוִֽד׃
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of kingdom 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 Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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