1 Kings 3:26

Authorized King James Version

Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֹמֶ֗רֶת

H559

Then spake

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁה֩

H802

the woman

a woman

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּנָהּ֒

H1121

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

הַחַ֔י

H2416

her 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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ

H4428

was unto the king

a king

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִכְמְר֣וּ

H3648

yearned

properly, to intertwine or contract, i.e., (by implication) to shrivel (as with heat); figuratively, to be deeply affected with passion (love or pity)

#10

רַֽחֲמֶיהָ֮

H7356

for her bowels

compassion (in the plural)

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

בְּנָהּ֒

H1121

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

#13

אֹמֶ֗רֶת

H559

Then spake

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

בִּ֣י

H994

oh that!; with leave, or if it please

#15

אֲדֹנִ֗י

H113

my lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#16

תְּנוּ

H5414

give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#17

לָהּ֙

#18

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

הַיָּל֣וּד

H3205

child

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

#20

הַחַ֔י

H2416

her 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

#21

תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ

H4191

and in no wise

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#22

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#23

תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ

H4191

and in no wise

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#24

וְזֹ֣את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#25

אֹמֶ֗רֶת

H559

Then spake

to say (used with great latitude)

#26

גַּם

H1571

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

#27

לִ֥י

#28

גַם

H1571

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

#29

לָ֛ךְ

#30

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#31

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

#32

גְּזֹֽרוּ׃

H1504

Let it be neither mine nor thine but divide

to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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