1 Kings 21:5

Authorized King James Version

But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתָּבֹ֥א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֵלָ֖יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אִיזֶ֣בֶל
But Jezebel
izebel, the wife of king ahab
#4
אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ
his wife
a woman
#5
וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר
to him and said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
זֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
רֽוּחֲךָ֣
unto him Why is thy spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#10
סָרָ֔ה
so sad
peevish
#11
וְאֵֽינְךָ֖
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#12
אֹכֵ֥ל
that thou eatest
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
לָֽחֶם׃
no bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 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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