1 Kings 19:10

Authorized King James Version

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

קִנֵּ֜אתִי

H7065

I have been very

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

קִנֵּ֜אתִי

H7065

I have been very

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

לַֽיהוָ֣ה׀

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָא֗וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָזְב֤וּ

H5800

have forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

בְרִֽיתְךָ֙

H1285

thy covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#10

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

for the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

מִזְבְּחֹתֶ֣יךָ

H4196

thine altars

an altar

#14

הָרָ֔סוּ

H2040

thrown down

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

#15

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

נְבִיאֶ֖יךָ

H5030

thy prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#17

הָֽרְג֣וּ

H2026

and slain

to smite with deadly intent

#18

בֶחָ֑רֶב

H2719

with the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#19

וָֽאִוָּתֵ֤ר

H3498

and I even I only am left

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

#20

אֲנִי֙

H589

#21

לְבַדִּ֔י

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#22

וַיְבַקְשׁ֥וּ

H1245

and they seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#23

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

נַפְשִׁ֖י

H5315

my life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#25

לְקַחְתָּֽהּ׃

H3947

to take it away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?

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