1 Kings 13:24

Authorized King James Version

And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֕לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
וַיִּמְצָאֵ֧הוּ
met
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#3
וְהָ֣אַרְיֵ֔ה
a lion
a lion
#4
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ
him by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
וַיְמִיתֵ֑הוּ
and slew
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
וַתְּהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
הַנְּבֵלָֽה׃
by the carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#8
מֻשְׁלֶ֣כֶת
was cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#9
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ
him by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
וְהַֽחֲמוֹר֙
and the ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#11
עֹמֵ֖ד
also stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#12
אֵ֥צֶל
by
a side; (as a preposition) near
#13
וְהָ֣אַרְיֵ֔ה
a lion
a lion
#14
עֹמֵ֖ד
also stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#15
אֵ֥צֶל
by
a side; (as a preposition) near
#16
הַנְּבֵלָֽה׃
by the carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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