1 Kings 20:1

Authorized King James Version

And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבֶן
H0
#2
הֲדַ֣ד
And Benhadad
ben-hadad, the name of several syrian kings, possibly a royal title
#3
מֶ֛לֶךְ
kings
a king
#4
אֲרָ֗ם
of Syria
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#5
קָבַץ֙
gathered
to grasp, i.e., collect
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
חֵיל֔וֹ
all his host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#9
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
and there were thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#10
וּשְׁנַ֥יִם
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#11
מֶ֛לֶךְ
kings
a king
#12
אִתּ֖וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#13
וְס֣וּס
with him and horses
a horse (as leaping)
#14
וָרָ֑כֶב
and chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#15
וַיַּ֗עַל
and he went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#16
וַיָּ֙צַר֙
and besieged
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#19
וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם
and warred
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#20
בָּֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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