1 Kings 5:6

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֡ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

צַוֵּה֩

H6680

Now therefore command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לִכְרָת

H3772

thou that they hew

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לִ֨י

אֲרָזִ֜ים

H730

me cedar trees

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְּבָנ֗וֹן

H3844

out of Lebanon

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙

H5650

and my servants

a servant

יִֽהְי֣וּ

H1961

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

#10

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#11

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙

H5650

and my servants

a servant

#12

וּשְׂכַ֤ר

H7939

hire

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

#13

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙

H5650

and my servants

a servant

#14

אֶתֵּ֣ן

H5414

and unto thee will I give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#15

לְךָ֔

#16

כְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

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

#17

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

תֹּאמֵ֑ר

H559

according to all that thou shalt appoint

to say (used with great latitude)

#19

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

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

#20

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#21

יֹדֵ֥עַ

H3045

for thou knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#22

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#23

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#24

בָּ֛נוּ

#25

אִ֛ישׁ

H376

that there is not among us any

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#26

יֹדֵ֥עַ

H3045

for thou knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#27

לִכְרָת

H3772

thou that they hew

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#28

עֵצִ֖ים

H6086

timber

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#29

כַּצִּֽדֹנִֽים׃

H6722

like unto the Sidonians

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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