1 Kings 19:3

Authorized King James Version

And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֗רְא
And when he saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
that he arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
for his life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#6
וַיָּבֹ֕א
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
בְּאֵ֥ר
H0
#8
שֶׁ֖בַע
to Beersheba
beer-sheba, a place in palestine
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה
which belongeth to Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#11
וַיַּנַּ֥ח
and left
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#12
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
נַעֲר֖וֹ
his servant
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#14
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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