1 Kings 4:33

Authorized King James Version

And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְדַבֵּר֙
And he spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הָֽעֵצִים֒
of trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#4
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
הָאֶ֙רֶז֙
from the cedar tree
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
בַּלְּבָנ֔וֹן
that is in Lebanon
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine
#8
וְעַד֙
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
הָֽאֵז֔וֹב
even unto the hyssop
hyssop
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יֹצֵ֖א
that springeth out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
בַּקִּ֑יר
of the wall
a wall (as built in a trench)
#13
וַיְדַבֵּר֙
And he spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה
also of beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#16
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הָע֔וֹף
and of fowl
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#18
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הָרֶ֖מֶשׂ
and of creeping things
a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal
#20
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
הַדָּגִֽים׃
and of fishes
a fish (often used collectively)

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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