1 Kings 20:8

Authorized King James Version

And all the elders and all the people said unto him, Hearken not unto him, nor consent.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֥וּ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֛יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הַזְּקֵנִ֖ים
And all the elders
old
#5
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הָעָ֑ם
and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
תִּשְׁמַ֖ע
unto him Hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#9
וְל֥וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תֹאבֶֽה׃
H14
not unto him nor consent
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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