1 Kings 4:26

Authorized King James Version

And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לִשְׁלֹמֹ֗ה
And Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#3
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
had forty
forty
#4
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#5
אֻרְוֹ֥ת
stalls
a herding-place for an animal
#6
סוּסִ֖ים
of horses
a horse (as leaping)
#7
לְמֶרְכָּב֑וֹ
for his chariots
a chariot; also a seat (in a vehicle)
#8
וּשְׁנֵים
and twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
עָשָׂ֥ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#10
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#11
פָּֽרָשִֽׁים׃
horsemen
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources