1 Kings 3:5

Authorized King James Version

In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּגִבְע֗וֹן
In Gibeon
gibon, a place in palestine
#2
נִרְאָ֧ה
appeared
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
יְהוָֹ֛ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה
to Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#6
בַּֽחֲל֣וֹם
in a dream
a dream
#7
הַלָּ֑יְלָה
by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#8
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and 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
#10
שְׁאַ֖ל
Ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#11
מָ֥ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
אֶתֶּן
what I shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לָֽךְ׃
H0

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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