1 Kings 20:7

Authorized King James Version

Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֤א

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

Then the king

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זִקְנֵ֣י

H2205

all the elders

old

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

דְּעוּ

H3045

Mark

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

נָ֣א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#10

וּרְא֔וּ

H7200

I pray you and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#11

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

רָעָ֖ה

H7451

mischief

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#13

זֶ֣ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#14

מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ

H1245

how this man seeketh

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

שָׁלַ֨ח

H7971

for he sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#17

אֵלַ֜י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

לְנָשַׁ֤י

H802

unto me for my wives

a woman

#19

וּלְבָנַי֙

H1121

and for my children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#20

וּלְכַסְפִּ֣י

H3701

and for my silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#21

וְלִזְהָבִ֔י

H2091

and for my gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

#22

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

מָנַ֖עְתִּי

H4513

and I denied

to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury

#24

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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