1 Kings 13:33

Authorized King James Version

After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַחַר֙
After
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#2
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
וַ֠יָּשָׁב
again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#6
יָֽרָבְעָ֖ם
Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#7
מִדַּרְכּ֣וֹ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
הָֽרָעָ֑ה
not from his evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#9
וַ֠יָּשָׁב
again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ
but made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
מִקְצ֤וֹת
of the lowest
a termination
#12
הָעָם֙
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
כֹּֽהֲנֵ֥י
him and he became one of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#14
בָמֽוֹת׃
of the high places
an elevation
#15
הֶֽחָפֵץ֙
whosoever would
pleased with
#16
יְמַלֵּ֣א
he consecrated
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
יָד֔וֹ
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#19
וִיהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#20
כֹּֽהֲנֵ֥י
him and he became one of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#21
בָמֽוֹת׃
of the high places
an elevation

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of covenant community 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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