1 Kings 20:42

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֣ר
H559
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֗יו
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#4
אָמַ֣ר
H559
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
יַ֛עַן
H3282
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#7
שִׁלַּ֥חְתָּ
H7971
Because thou hast let go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אִישׁ
H376
a 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)
#10
חֶרְמִ֖י
H2764
whom I appointed to utter destruction
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
#11
מִיָּ֑ד
H3027
out of thy hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
וְהָֽיְתָ֤ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
H5315
shall go for his life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#14
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#15
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
H5315
shall go for his life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#16
עַמּֽוֹ׃
H5971
and thy people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#17
תַּ֥חַת
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#18
עַמּֽוֹ׃
H5971
and thy people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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