1 Kings 18:45

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י׀

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כֹּ֗ה

H3541

And it came to pass in the mean while

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כֹּ֗ה

H3541

And it came to pass in the mean while

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

וְהַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

that the heaven

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

הִֽתְקַדְּרוּ֙

H6937

was black

to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)

עָבִ֣ים

H5645

with clouds

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

וְר֔וּחַ

H7307

and wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#10

וַיְהִ֖י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

גֶּ֣שֶׁם

H1653

rain

a shower

#12

גָּד֑וֹל

H1419

and there was a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#13

וַיִּרְכַּ֥ב

H7392

rode

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

#14

אַחְאָ֖ב

H256

And Ahab

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

#15

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

יִזְרְעֶֽאלָה׃

H3157

to Jezreel

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

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 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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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