1 Kings 18:6

Authorized King James Version

So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְחַלְּק֥וּ
So they divided
to be smooth (figuratively)
#2
לָהֶ֛ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָאָ֖רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
לַֽעֲבָר
between them to pass throughout
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#6
בָּ֑הּ
H0
#7
אַחְאָ֞ב
it Ahab
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
#8
הָלַ֥ךְ
went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
בְּדֶרֶךְ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
אֶחָ֖ד
another
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
לְבַדּ֔וֹ
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#12
וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֛הוּ
by himself and Obadiah
obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites
#13
הָלַ֥ךְ
went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
בְּדֶרֶךְ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#15
אֶחָ֖ד
another
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#16
לְבַדּֽוֹ׃
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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

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