1 Kings 3:4

Authorized King James Version

And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
גִּבְעֹ֙נָה֙
to Gibeon
gibon, a place in palestine
#4
לִזְבֹּ֣חַ
to sacrifice
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#5
שָׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
הַהֽוּא׃
there for that
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
הַבָּמָ֣ה
high place
an elevation
#9
הַגְּדוֹלָ֑ה
was the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
אֶ֤לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#11
עֹלוֹת֙
burnt offerings
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#12
יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה
offer
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#13
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
did Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#14
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הַמִּזְבֵּ֥חַ
upon that altar
an altar
#16
הַהֽוּא׃
there for that
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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