1 Kings 21:13

Authorized King James Version

And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ

H935

And there came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁנֵ֨י

H8147

in two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים

H376

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)

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

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

הַבְּלִיַּ֜עַל

H1100

of Belial

without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ

H3427

and sat

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

נֶגְדּוֹ֒

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

וַיְעִדֻהוּ֩

H5749

witnessed

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

אַנְשֵׁ֨י

H376

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

הַבְּלִיַּ֜עַל

H1100

of Belial

without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

נָב֛וֹת

H5022

Naboth

naboth, an israelite

#13

נֶ֤גֶד

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#14

הָעָם֙

H5971

in the presence of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#15

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

בֵּרַ֥ךְ

H1288

did blaspheme

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

#17

נָב֛וֹת

H5022

Naboth

naboth, an israelite

#18

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#19

וָמֶ֑לֶךְ

H4428

and the king

a king

#20

וַיֹּֽצִאֻ֙הוּ֙

H3318

Then they carried him forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#21

מִח֣וּץ

H2351

out

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#22

לָעִ֔יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#23

וַיִּסְקְלֻ֥הוּ

H5619

and stoned

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

#24

בָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים

H68

him with stones

a stone

#25

וַיָּמֹֽת׃

H4191

that he died

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps