1 Kings 18:7

Authorized King James Version

And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
עֹֽבַדְיָ֙הוּ֙
And as Obadiah
obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites
#3
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ
was in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#5
אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃
Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#6
לִקְרָאת֑וֹ
met
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#7
וַיַּכִּרֵ֙הוּ֙
him and he knew
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#8
וַיִּפֹּ֣ל
him and fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
פָּנָ֔יו
on his face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
הַֽאַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#13
זֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#14
אֲדֹנִ֥י
Art thou that my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#15
אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃
Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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