1 Kings 21:11

Authorized King James Version

And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ֩
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
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
בְּעִיר֔וֹ
in his city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
הַזְּקֵנִ֣ים
even the elders
old
#5
וְהַֽחֹרִ֗ים
and the nobles
properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
who were the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בְּעִיר֔וֹ
in his city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
שָֽׁלְחָ֖ה
had sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
אִיזָ֑בֶל
as Jezebel
izebel, the wife of king ahab
#13
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
כָּתוּב֙
unto them and as it was written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#15
בַּסְּפָרִ֔ים
in the letters
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
שָֽׁלְחָ֖ה
had sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#18
אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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