1 Kings 16:21

Authorized King James Version

Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָ֧ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#2
יֵֽחָלֵ֛ק
divided
to be smooth (figuratively)
#3
הָעָ֜ם
Then were the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
וְהַֽחֲצִ֖י
and half
the half or middle
#6
וְהַֽחֲצִ֖י
and half
the half or middle
#7
הָעָ֜ם
Then were the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
הָ֠יָה
followed
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
followed
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
תִבְנִ֤י
Tibni
tibni, an israelite
#11
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
גִּינַת֙
of Ginath
ginath, an israelite
#13
לְהַמְלִיכ֔וֹ
to make him king
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#14
וְהַֽחֲצִ֖י
and half
the half or middle
#15
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
followed
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#16
עָמְרִֽי׃
Omri
omri, an israelite

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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