1 Kings 16:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֨י

H1961

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

בְמָלְכ֜וֹ

H4427

And it came to pass when he began to reign

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

כְּשִׁבְתּ֣וֹ

H3427

as soon as he sat

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל

H5921

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

כִּסְא֗וֹ

H3678

on his throne

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

הִכָּה֙

H5221

that he slew

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

all the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

בַּעְשָׁ֔א

H1201

of Baasha

basha, a king of israel

#11

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#12

הִשְׁאִ֥יר

H7604

he left

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#13

ל֖וֹ

#14

מַשְׁתִּ֣ין

H8366

him not one that pisseth

(causatively) to make water, i.e., urinate

#15

בְּקִ֑יר

H7023

against a wall

a wall (as built in a trench)

#16

וְגֹֽאֲלָ֖יו

H1350

neither of his kinsfolks

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

#17

וְרֵעֵֽהוּ׃

H7453

nor of his friends

an associate (more or less close)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps