1 Kings 3:2

Authorized King James Version

Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַ֣ק
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#2
הָעָ֔ם
Only the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
מְזַבְּחִ֖ים
sacrificed
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#4
בַּבָּמ֑וֹת
in high places
an elevation
#5
כִּ֠י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
נִבְנָ֥ה
built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#8
בַ֙יִת֙
because there was no house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
לְשֵׁ֣ם
unto the ~
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#10
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
הַיָּמִ֥ים
until those days
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
#13
הָהֵֽם׃
they (only used when emphatic)

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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