1 Kings 3:22

Authorized King James Version

And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֹמֶ֙רֶת֙
H559
And this said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה
H802
woman
a woman
#3
הָֽאַחֶ֜רֶת
H312
And the other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#4
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
כִ֗י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
וּבְנִ֣י
H1121
is my son
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
הֶחָ֑י
H2416
Nay but the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
וּבְנִ֣י
H1121
is my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
הַמֵּ֖ת
H4191
No but the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
וְזֹ֤את
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#11
אֹמֶ֙רֶת֙
H559
And this said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
כִ֔י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
וּבְנִ֣י
H1121
is my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
הַמֵּ֖ת
H4191
No but the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#16
וּבְנִ֣י
H1121
is my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#17
הֶחָ֑י
H2416
Nay but the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#18
וַתְּדַבֵּ֖רְנָה
H1696
Thus they spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#19
לִפְנֵ֥י
H6440
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
#20
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
H4428
the king
a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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