1 Kings 14:9

Authorized King James Version

But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתָּ֣רַע

H7489

evil

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

וַתַּֽעֲשֶׂה

H6213

But hast done

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

מִכֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

הָי֣וּ

H1961

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

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ

H6440

above all that were before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַתֵּ֡לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַתַּֽעֲשֶׂה

H6213

But hast done

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

לְּךָ֩

#10

אֱלֹהִ֨ים

H430

gods

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

#11

אֲחֵרִ֤ים

H312

thee other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#12

וּמַסֵּכוֹת֙

H4541

and molten images

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

#13

לְהַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי

H3707

to provoke me to anger

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

#14

וְאֹתִ֥י

H853

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

#15

הִשְׁלַ֖כְתָּ

H7993

and hast cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

#16

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י

H310

me behind

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#17

גַוֶּֽךָ׃

H1458

thy back

the back

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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