1 Kings 13:28

Authorized King James Version

And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
וַיִּמְצָ֤א
and found
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
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַנְּבֵלָ֔ה
his carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#5
מֻשְׁלֶ֣כֶת
cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#6
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
הַחֲמֽוֹר׃
and the ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#8
הָֽאַרְיֵה֙
and the lion
a lion
#9
עֹֽמְדִ֖ים
standing
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#10
אֵ֣צֶל
by
a side; (as a preposition) near
#11
הַנְּבֵלָ֔ה
his carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#12
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
אָכַ֤ל
had not eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#14
הָֽאַרְיֵה֙
and the lion
a lion
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַנְּבֵלָ֔ה
his carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#17
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
שָׁבַ֖ר
nor torn
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#19
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הַחֲמֽוֹר׃
and the ass
a male ass (from its dun red)

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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