1 Kings 16:34

Authorized King James Version

In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּיָמָ֞יו
In his days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
בָּנָ֥ה
build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#3
חִיאֵ֛ל
did Hiel
chiel, an israelite
#4
בֵּ֥ית
H0
#5
הָֽאֱלִ֖י
the Bethelite
a beth-elite, or inhabitant of bethel
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
יְרִיחֹ֑ה
Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#8
בַּֽאֲבִירָ֨ם
H48
thereof in Abiram
abiram, the name of two israelites
#9
בְּכֹר֜וֹ
his firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#10
יִסְּדָ֗הּ
he laid the foundation
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
#11
וּבִשְׂג֤יּב
son Segub
segub, the name of two israelites
#12
צְעִירוֹ֙
thereof in his youngest
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
#13
הִצִּ֣יב
and set up
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#14
דְּלָתֶ֔יהָ
the gates
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#15
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#16
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
דִּבֶּ֔ר
which he spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#19
בְּיַ֖ד
by
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#20
יְהוֹשֻׁ֥עַ
Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#21
בִּן
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
#22
נֽוּן׃
of Nun
nun or non, the father of joshua

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 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

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