1 Kings 2:39

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
מִקֵּץ֙
And it came to pass at the end
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
#3
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
of three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#4
שָׁנִ֔ים
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#5
וַיִּבְרְח֤וּ
ran away
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#6
שְׁנֵֽי
that two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ
Behold thy servants
a servant
#8
לְשִׁמְעִי֙
Shimei
shimi, the name of twenty israelites
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
אָכִ֥ישׁ
unto Achish
akish, a philistine king
#11
בֶּֽן
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
#12
מַעֲכָ֖ה
of Maachah
maakah (or maakath), the name of a place in syria, also of a mesopotamian, of three israelites, and of four israelitesses and one syrian woman
#13
מֶ֣לֶךְ
king
a king
#14
בְּגַֽת׃
be in Gath
gath, a philistine city
#15
וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ
And they told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#16
לְשִׁמְעִי֙
Shimei
shimi, the name of twenty israelites
#17
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#18
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#19
עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ
Behold thy servants
a servant
#20
בְּגַֽת׃
be in Gath
gath, a philistine city

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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

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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