1 Kings 17:23

Authorized King James Version

And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֨ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ

H452

And Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

אֶת

H853

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

הַיֶּ֗לֶד

H3206

the child

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

וַיֹּֽרִדֵ֤הוּ

H3381

and brought him down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽעֲלִיָּה֙

H5944

out of the chamber

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

הַבַּ֔יְתָה

H1004

into the house

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

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ

H5414

and delivered

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#10

לְאִמּ֑וֹ

H517

him unto his mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#11

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ

H452

And Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

#13

רְאִ֖י

H7200

See

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#14

חַ֥י

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#15

בְּנֵֽךְ׃

H1121

thy 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

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 revelation 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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

People

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Study Resources

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