1 Kings 2:7

Authorized King James Version

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִבְנֵ֨י
unto the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
בַרְזִלַּ֤י
of Barzillai
barzillai, the name of three israelites
#3
הַגִּלְעָדִי֙
the Gileadite
a giladite or descendant of gilad
#4
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
But shew
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
חֶ֔סֶד
kindness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#6
וְהָי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
בְּאֹֽכְלֵ֣י
and let them be of those that eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#8
שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑ךָ
at thy table
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#9
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
כֵן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#11
קָֽרְב֣וּ
for so they came
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#12
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
בְּבָרְחִ֕י
to me when I fled
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#14
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם
H53
of Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#16
אָחִֽיךָ׃
thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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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