1 Kings 16:4

Authorized King James Version

Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַמֵּ֥ת
Him that dieth
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#2
לְבַעְשָׁא֙
of Baasha
basha, a king of israel
#3
בָּעִ֔יר
in the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
יֹֽאכְל֖וּ
eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
הַכְּלָבִ֑ים
shall the dogs
a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
#6
וְהַמֵּ֥ת
Him that dieth
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#7
לוֹ֙
H0
#8
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה
of his in the fields
a field (as flat)
#9
יֹֽאכְל֖וּ
eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
ע֥וֹף
shall the fowls
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#11
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
of the air
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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