1 Kings 4:34

Authorized King James Version

And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
H935
And there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
מִכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
H5971
of all people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
שָֽׁמְע֖וּ
H8085
to hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#5
אֵ֖ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
חָכְמָתֽוֹ׃
H2451
of his wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#7
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
H8010
of Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#8
מֵאֵת֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
מַלְכֵ֣י
H4428
from all kings
a king
#11
הָאָ֔רֶץ
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
שָֽׁמְע֖וּ
H8085
to hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
חָכְמָתֽוֹ׃
H2451
of his wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of wisdom 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

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