1 Kings 3:16

Authorized King James Version

Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָ֣ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#2
תָּבֹ֗אנָה
Then came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
שְׁתַּ֛יִם
there two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#4
נָשִׁ֥ים
women
a woman
#5
זֹנ֖וֹת
that were harlots
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
unto the king
a king
#8
וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖דְנָה
and stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#9
לְפָנָֽיו׃
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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