1 Kings 2:20

Authorized King James Version

Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמֶר
Then she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שְׁאֵלָ֨ה
petition
a petition; by implication, a loan
#3
אַחַ֤ת
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#4
קְטַנָּה֙
small
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#5
אָֽנֹכִי֙
i
#6
שַֽׁאֲלִ֣י
I desire
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#7
מֵֽאִתָּ֔ךְ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
אָשִׁ֖יב
for I will not say
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
פָּנָֽיִךְ׃
me
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
וַיֹּֽאמֶר
Then she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
לָ֤הּ
H0
#14
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
And the king
a king
#15
שַֽׁאֲלִ֣י
I desire
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#16
אִמִּ֔י
my mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#17
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
אָשִׁ֖יב
for I will not say
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#20
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
פָּנָֽיִךְ׃
me
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 divine revelation 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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