1 Kings 19:17

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֗ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
וְהַנִּמְלָ֛ט
And it shall come to pass that him that escapeth
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#3
מֵחֶ֥רֶב
from the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#4
חֲזָאֵ֖ל
of Hazael
chazael, a king of syria
#5
יָמִ֥ית
slay
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
יֵה֖וּא
of Jehu
jehu, the name of five israelites
#7
וְהַנִּמְלָ֛ט
And it shall come to pass that him that escapeth
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#8
מֵחֶ֥רֶב
from the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
יֵה֖וּא
of Jehu
jehu, the name of five israelites
#10
יָמִ֥ית
slay
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
אֱלִישָֽׁע׃
shall Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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