1 Kings 4:21

Authorized King James Version

And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה
H8010
And Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#2
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
מוֹשֵׁל֙
H4910
reigned
to rule
#4
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת
H4467
over all kingdoms
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#6
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
הַנָּהָר֙
H5104
from the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#8
אֶ֣רֶץ
H776
unto the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
H6430
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#10
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
גְּב֣וּל
H1366
and unto the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#12
מִצְרָ֑יִם
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#13
מַגִּשִׁ֥ים
H5066
they brought
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#14
מִנְחָ֛ה
H4503
presents
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#15
וְעֹֽבְדִ֥ים
H5647
and served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#16
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה
H8010
And Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#18
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
יְמֵ֥י
H3117
all the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#20
חַיָּֽיו׃
H2416
of his life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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