1 Kings 21:24

Authorized King James Version

Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַמֵּת֙
Him that dieth
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#2
לְאַחְאָב֙
of Ahab
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
#3
בָּעִ֔יר
in the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
יֹֽאכְל֖וּ
eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
הַכְּלָבִ֑ים
the dogs
a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
#6
וְהַמֵּת֙
Him that dieth
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#7
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה
in the field
a field (as flat)
#8
יֹֽאכְל֖וּ
eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
ע֥וֹף
shall the fowls
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#10
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
of the air
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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