1 Kings 15:3

Authorized King James Version

And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֕לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
חַטֹּ֥אות
in all the sins
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#4
אָבִֽיו׃
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
עָשָׂ֣ה
which he had done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
לְפָנָ֑יו
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
#8
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
הָיָ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
כִּלְבַ֖ב
as the heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#11
שָׁלֵם֙
was not perfect
complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
#12
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#13
יְהוָ֣ה
with the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹהָ֔יו
his 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
#15
כִּלְבַ֖ב
as the heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#16
דָּוִ֥ד
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#17
אָבִֽיו׃
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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