1 Kings 20:23

Authorized King James Version

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַבְדֵ֨י
H5650
And the servants
a servant
#2
מֶֽלֶךְ
H4428
of the king
a king
#3
אֲרָ֜ם
H758
of Syria
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#4
אָֽמְר֣וּ
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אֵלָ֗יו
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם
H430
are gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
הָרִים֙
H2022
of the hills
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#8
אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם
H430
are gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#11
נֶֽחֱזַ֖ק
H2388
therefore they were stronger
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#12
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
וְאוּלָ֗ם
H199
than we but
however or on the contrary
#14
נִלָּחֵ֤ם
H3898
let us fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#15
אִתָּם֙
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#16
בַּמִּישׁ֔וֹר
H4334
against them in the plain
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (
#17
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#18
לֹ֥א
H3808
and surely
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
נֶֽחֱזַ֖ק
H2388
therefore they were stronger
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#20
מֵהֶֽם׃
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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