1 Kings 3:18

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֞י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֤וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֙

H7992

And it came to pass the third

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

וַתֵּ֖לֶד

H3205

after that I was delivered

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וַתֵּ֖לֶד

H3205

after that I was delivered

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הָֽאִשָּׁ֣ה

H802

that this woman

a woman

הַזֹּ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

וַֽאֲנַ֣חְנוּ

H587

#10

יַחְדָּ֗ו

H3162

also and we were together

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

#11

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#12

זָ֤ר

H2114

there was no stranger

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

#13

אִתָּ֙נוּ֙

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

בַּבָּֽיִת׃

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

זֽוּלָתִ֥י

H2108

save

probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except

#16

שְׁתַּֽיִם

H8147

we two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#17

אֲנַ֖חְנוּ

H587

#18

בַּבָּֽיִת׃

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

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