1 Kings 13:4

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ

H4428

And it came to pass when king

a king

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דְּבַ֣ר

H1697

the saying

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִישׁ

H376

of 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

קָרָ֤א

H7121

which had cried

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ

H4196

against the altar

an altar

#12

בְּבֵֽית

#13

אֵ֔ל

H1008

in Bethel

beth-el, a place in palestine

#14

שָׁלַ֣ח

H7971

that he put forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#15

יָֽרָבְעָ֧ם

H3379

Jeroboam

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

יָדוֹ֙

H3027

his hand

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

#18

מֵעַ֥ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ

H4196

against the altar

an altar

#20

לֵאמֹ֣ר׀

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#21

תִּפְשֻׂ֑הוּ

H8610

Lay hold

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

#22

וַתִּיבַ֤שׁ

H3001

against him dried up

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

#23

יָדוֹ֙

H3027

his hand

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

#24

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#25

שָׁלַ֣ח

H7971

that he put forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#26

עָלָ֔יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#27

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#28

יָכֹ֖ל

H3201

so that he could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#29

לַֽהֲשִׁיבָ֥הּ

H7725

not pull it in again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#30

אֵלָֽיו׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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