1 Kings 18:10

Authorized King James Version

As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חַ֣י׀

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

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

As the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ

H430

thy 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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶשׁ

H3426

there is no

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

הַגּ֔וֹי

H1471

and nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הַמַּמְלָכָה֙

H4467

of the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

אֲ֠שֶׁר

H834

whither

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

שָׁלַ֨ח

H7971

hath not sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#11

אֲדֹנִ֥י

H113

my lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#12

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#13

לְבַקֶּשְׁךָ֔

H1245

to seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#14

וְאָֽמְר֖וּ

H559

thee and when they said

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

אָ֑יִן

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#16

וְהִשְׁבִּ֤יעַ

H7650

He is not there he took an oath

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

הַמַּמְלָכָה֙

H4467

of the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#19

וְאֶת

H853

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

#20

הַגּ֔וֹי

H1471

and nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#21

כִּ֖י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#22

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

יִמְצָאֶֽכָּה׃

H4672

that they found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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