1 Kings 19:2

Authorized King James Version

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּשְׁלַ֤ח
H7971
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אִיזֶ֙בֶל֙
H348
Then Jezebel
izebel, the wife of king ahab
#3
מַלְאָ֔ךְ
H4397
a messenger
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אֵֽלִיָּ֖הוּ
H452
unto Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#6
לֵאמֹ֑ר
H559
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
כֹּֽה
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#8
יַעֲשׂ֤וּן
H6213
do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
אֱלֹהִים֙
H430
So let the gods
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
#10
וְכֹ֣ה
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#11
יֽוֹסִפ֔וּן
H3254
to me and more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#12
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
כָעֵ֤ת
H6256
about this time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#14
מָחָר֙
H4279
of them by to morrow
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
#15
אָשִׂ֣ים
H7760
also if I make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#16
אֶֽת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
כְּנֶ֖פֶשׁ
H5315
as the life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#18
כְּנֶ֖פֶשׁ
H5315
as the life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#19
אַחַ֥ד
H259
of one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#20
מֵהֶֽם׃
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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