1 Kings 19:4

Authorized King James Version

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהֽוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָלַ֤ךְ

H1980

But he himself went

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַּמִּדְבָּר֙

H4057

into the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

דֶּ֣רֶךְ

H1870

journey

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

י֔וֹם

H3117

a day's

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַיָּבֹ֕א

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיֵּ֕שֶׁב

H3427

and sat down

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

תַּ֖חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

רֹ֣תֶם

H7574

juniper tree

the spanish broom (from its pole-like stems)

#10

אֶחָ֑ת

H259

under a

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#11

וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל

H7592

and he requested

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

נַפְשִׁ֔י

H5315

for himself

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

#14

לָמ֔וּת

H4191

that he might die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#15

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

רַ֗ב

H7227

It is enough

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#17

עַתָּ֤ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#18

יְהוָה֙

H3068

now O LORD

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

#19

קַ֣ח

H3947

take away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#20

נַפְשִׁ֔י

H5315

for himself

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

#21

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#22

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

ט֥וֹב

H2896

for I am not better

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#24

אָֽנֹכִ֖י

H595

#25

מֵֽאֲבֹתָֽי׃

than my fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps