1 Kings 20:18

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#3
לְשָׁל֥וֹם
for peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#4
יָצָ֖אוּ
Whether they be come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#5
תִּפְשֽׂוּם׃
take
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#6
חַיִּ֥ים
them alive
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#7
וְאִ֧ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
לְמִלְחָמָ֛ה
for war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#9
יָצָ֖אוּ
Whether they be come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
חַיִּ֥ים
them alive
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#11
תִּפְשֽׂוּם׃
take
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources