1 Kings 18:5

Authorized King James Version

And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אַחְאָב֙
And Ahab
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
עֹ֣בַדְיָ֔הוּ
unto Obadiah
obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites
#5
לֵ֤ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
בָּאָ֙רֶץ֙
into the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מַעְיְנֵ֣י
unto all fountains
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
#10
הַמַּ֔יִם
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
וְאֶ֖ל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הַנְּחָלִ֑ים
and unto all brooks
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#14
אוּלַ֣י׀
peradventure
if not; hence perhaps
#15
נִמְצָ֣א
we may find
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
#16
חָצִ֗יר
grass
grass; also a leek (collectively)
#17
וּנְחַיֶּה֙
alive
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#18
ס֣וּס
the horses
a horse (as leaping)
#19
וָפֶ֔רֶד
and mules
a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits)
#20
וְל֥וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
נַכְרִ֖ית
that we lose
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#22
מֵֽהַבְּהֵמָֽה׃
not all the beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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