1 Kings 2:33

Authorized King James Version

Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשָׁ֤בוּ

H7725

shall therefore return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

דְמֵיהֶם֙

H1818

Their blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וּבְרֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

and upon the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

יוֹאָ֔ב

H3097

of Joab

joab, the name of three israelites

וּבְרֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

and upon the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וּ֠לְזַרְעוֹ

H2233

and upon his seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

עוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וּלְדָוִ֡ד

H1732

but upon David

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּ֠לְזַרְעוֹ

H2233

and upon his seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#10

וּלְבֵית֨וֹ

H1004

and upon his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

וּלְכִסְא֜וֹ

H3678

and upon his throne

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

#12

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

שָׁל֛וֹם

H7965

shall there be peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#14

עַד

H5704

for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#15

עוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#16

מֵעִ֥ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#17

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

from the LORD

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps