1 Kings 18:19

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
שְׁלַ֨ח
Now therefore send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#3
קְבֹ֥ץ
and gather
to grasp, i.e., collect
#4
אֵלַ֛י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
to me all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הַ֣ר
unto mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#10
הַכַּרְמֶ֑ל
Carmel
karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
וּנְבִיאֵ֤י
and the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#13
הַבַּ֜עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#14
אַרְבַּ֣ע
four
four
#15
מֵא֔וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#16
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים
and fifty
fifty
#17
וּנְבִיאֵ֤י
and the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#18
הָֽאֲשֵׁרָה֙
of the groves
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#19
אַרְבַּ֣ע
four
four
#20
מֵא֔וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#21
אֹֽכְלֵ֖י
which eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#22
שֻׁלְחַ֥ן
table
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#23
אִיזָֽבֶל׃
at Jezebel's
izebel, the wife of king ahab

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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