1 Kings 3:28

Authorized King James Version

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
H8085
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
כָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
H3478
And all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
H4941
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
שָׁפַ֣ט
H8199
had judged
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#8
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
H4428
which the king
a king
#9
וַיִּֽרְא֖וּ
H3372
and they feared
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#10
מִפְּנֵ֣י
H6440
the king
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
H4428
which the king
a king
#12
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
רָא֔וּ
H7200
for they saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#14
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
חָכְמַ֧ת
H2451
that the wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#16
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
H430
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#17
בְּקִרְבּ֖וֹ
H7130
was in him
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#18
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
H6213
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#19
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
H4941
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 wisdom 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 wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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