1 Kings 17:24

Authorized King James Version

And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙
And the woman
a woman
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ
to Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#5
עַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#6
זֶ֣ה
Now by this
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
I know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אִ֥ישׁ
that thou art a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
אָ֑תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
וּדְבַר
and that the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#13
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
בְּפִ֖יךָ
in thy mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#15
אֱמֶֽת׃
is truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of truth 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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