1 Kings 14:15

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִכָּ֨ה

H5221

shall smite

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

יָנ֣וּד

H5110

is shaken

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

הַקָּנֶה֮

H7070

as a reed

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

בַּמַּיִם֒

H4325

in the water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְנָתַ֣שׁ

H5428

and he shall root up

to tear away

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

מֵ֠עַל

H5921

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

#13

הָֽאֲדָמָ֨ה

H127

land

soil (from its general redness)

#14

הַטּוֹבָ֤ה

H2896

out of this good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#15

הַזֹּאת֙

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#16

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#17

נָתַן֙

H5414

which he gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#18

לַאֲב֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם

to their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#19

וְזֵרָ֖ם

H2219

and shall scatter

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

#20

מֵעֵ֣בֶר

H5676

them beyond

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

#21

לַנָּהָ֑ר

H5104

the river

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

#22

יַ֗עַן

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

#23

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#24

עָשׂוּ֙

H6213

because they have made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#25

אֶת

H853

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

#26

אֲשֵׁ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם

H842

their groves

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

#27

מַכְעִיסִ֖ים

H3707

to anger

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

#28

אֶת

H853

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

#29

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

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