1 Kings 13:31

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי֮
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
And it came to pass after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#3
קָב֣וּר
he had buried
to inter
#4
אֹתוֹ֒
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
him that he spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
בָּנָיו֙
to his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
לֵאמֹ֔ר
him that he spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
בְּמוֹתִי֙
When I am dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
קָב֣וּר
he had buried
to inter
#11
אֹתִ֔י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בַּקֶּ֕בֶר
me in the sepulchre
a sepulcher
#13
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אִ֥ישׁ
wherein the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#15
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#16
קָב֣וּר
he had buried
to inter
#17
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#18
אֵ֚צֶל
beside
a side; (as a preposition) near
#19
עַצְמֹתָֽי׃
his bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#20
הַנִּ֖יחוּ
lay
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#21
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
עַצְמֹתָֽי׃
his bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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