1 Kings 20:22

Authorized King James Version

And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגַּ֤שׁ
came
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#2
הַנָּבִיא֙
And the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֶ֥לֶךְ
the king
a king
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
לוֹ֙
H0
#8
לֵ֣ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
הִתְחַזַּ֔ק
strengthen
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#10
וְדַ֥ע
thyself and mark
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#11
וּרְאֵ֖ה
and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה
what thou doest
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
לִתְשׁוּבַ֣ת
for at the return
a recurrence (of time or place); a reply (as returned)
#17
הַשָּׁנָ֔ה
of the year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#18
מֶ֥לֶךְ
the king
a king
#19
אֲרָ֖ם
of Syria
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#20
עֹלֶ֥ה
will come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#21
עָלֶֽיךָ׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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