1 Kings 2:9

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּה֙

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּנַקֵּ֔הוּ

H5352

Now therefore hold him not guiltless

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

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)

חָכָ֖ם

H2450

for thou art a wise

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

אָ֑תָּה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֙

H3045

and knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֣ת

H853

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

#10

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#11

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה

H6213

what thou oughtest to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

לּ֔וֹ

#13

וְהֽוֹרַדְתָּ֧

H3381

bring thou down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

שֵֽׂיבָת֛וֹ

H7872

unto him but his hoar head

old age

#16

בְּדָ֖ם

H1818

with 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

#17

שְׁאֽוֹל׃

H7585

to the grave

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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