1 Kings 2:37

Authorized King James Version

For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּי֣וֹם
For it shall be that on the day
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
#3
צֵֽאתְךָ֗
thou goest out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
וְעָֽבַרְתָּ֙
and passest over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
נַ֣חַל
the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#7
קִדְר֔וֹן
Kidron
kidron, a brook near jerusalem
#8
תֵּדַ֖ע
for certain
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
תֵּדַ֖ע
for certain
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
תָּמ֑וּת
die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#12
תָּמ֑וּת
die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
דָּֽמְךָ֖
thy 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
#14
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
בְרֹאשֶֽׁךָ׃
shall be upon thine own head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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

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

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