1 Kings 2:22

Authorized King James Version

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּעַן֩
H6030
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ
H4428
And king
a king
#3
שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה
H8010
Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#4
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
לְאִמּ֗וֹ
H517
unto his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#6
וְלָמָה֩
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
אַ֨תְּ
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
וְשַֽׁאֲלִי
H7592
And why dost thou ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אֲבִישַׁ֤ג
H49
Abishag
abishag, a concubine of david
#11
הַשֻּֽׁנַמִּית֙
H7767
the Shunammite
a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem
#12
לַאֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ
H138
for Adonijah
adonijah, the name of three israelites
#13
וְשַֽׁאֲלִי
H7592
And why dost thou ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#14
לוֹ֙
H0
#15
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַמְּלוּכָ֔ה
H4410
for him the kingdom
something ruled, i.e., a realm
#17
כִּ֛י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
ה֥וּא
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
#19
אָחִ֖י
H251
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#20
הַגָּד֣וֹל
H1419
also for he is mine elder
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#21
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#22
וְלוֹ֙
H0
#23
וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֣ר
H54
even for him and for Abiathar
ebjathar, an israelite
#24
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
H3548
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#25
וּלְיוֹאָ֖ב
H3097
and for Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#26
בֶּן
H1121
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#27
צְרוּיָֽה׃
H6870
of Zeruiah
tserujah, an israelitess

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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