1 Kings 2:4

Authorized King James Version

That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְמַעַן֩

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יָקִ֨ים

H6965

may continue

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

That the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דְּבָר֗וֹ

H1697

his word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֣ר

H1696

which he spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עָלַי֮

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֵאמֹ֕ר

H559

concerning me saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

יִשְׁמְר֨וּ

H8104

take heed

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#12

בָנֶ֜יךָ

H1121

If thy children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

דַּרְכָּ֗ם

H1870

to their way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#15

לָלֶ֤כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

לְפָנַי֙

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#17

בֶּֽאֱמֶ֔ת

H571

me in truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

#18

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

לְבָבָ֖ם

H3824

with all their heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#20

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

נַפְשָׁ֑ם

H5315

and with all their soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#22

לֵאמֹ֕ר

H559

concerning me saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#23

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#24

יִכָּרֵ֤ת

H3772

there shall not fail

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#25

לְךָ֙

#26

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

he a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#27

מֵעַ֖ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#28

כִּסֵּ֥א

H3678

on the throne

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

#29

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on truth address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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