1 Kings 3:20

Authorized King James Version

And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתָּקָם֩
And she arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
בְּת֨וֹךְ
at midnight
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#3
הַלַּ֜יְלָה
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#4
וַתִּקַּ֧ח
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בְּנָ֥הּ
child
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
מֵֽאֶצְלִ֗י
from beside
a side; (as a preposition) near
#8
וַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙
me while thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave
#9
יְשֵׁנָ֔ה
slept
sleepy
#10
הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה
and laid
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#11
בְחֵיקִֽי׃
in my bosom
the bosom (literally or figuratively)
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
בְּנָ֥הּ
child
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
הַמֵּ֖ת
her dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#15
הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה
and laid
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#16
בְחֵיקִֽי׃
in my bosom
the bosom (literally or figuratively)

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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