1 Kings 5:1

Authorized King James Version

And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

חִירָ֛ם

H2438

And Hiram

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ

H4428

him king

a king

צ֤וֹר

H6865

of Tyre

tsor, a place in palestine

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲבָדָיו֙

H5650

his servants

a servant

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה

H8010

unto Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

שָׁמַ֔ע

H8085

for he had heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#11

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

אֹת֛וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

מָֽשְׁח֥וּ

H4886

that they had anointed

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

#14

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ

H4428

him king

a king

#15

תַּ֣חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#16

אָבִ֑יהוּ

in the room of his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#17

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

אֹהֵ֗ב

H157

a lover

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

#19

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#20

חִירָ֛ם

H2438

And Hiram

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

#21

לְדָוִ֖ד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#22

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#23

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

was ever

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

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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