1 Kings 20:37

Authorized King James Version

Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּמְצָא֙
Then he found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#2
הָאִ֖ישׁ
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)
#3
אַחֵ֔ר
another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#4
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
הַכֵּ֥ה
Smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
נָ֑א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#7
הַכֵּ֥ה
Smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#8
הָאִ֖ישׁ
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)
#9
הַכֵּ֥ה
Smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
וּפָצֹֽעַ׃
he wounded
to split, i.e., wound

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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