1 Kings 20:38

Authorized King James Version

So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
הַנָּבִ֔יא
So the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#3
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
and waited
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#4
לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
for the king
a king
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַדָּ֑רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
וַיִּתְחַפֵּ֥שׂ
and disguised
to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask
#8
בָּֽאֲפֵ֖ר
himself with ashes
a turban
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עֵינָֽיו׃
upon his face
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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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