1 Kings 6:29

Authorized King James Version

And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
קִיר֨וֹת
all the walls
a wall (as built in a trench)
#4
הַבַּ֜יִת
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
מֵסַ֣ב׀
round about
a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around
#6
קָלַ֗ע
And he carved
to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)
#7
פִּתּוּחֵי֙
with carved
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
#8
מִקְלְעוֹת֙
figures
a sculpture (probably in bas-relief)
#9
כְּרוּבִ֣ים
of cherubims
a cherub or imaginary figure
#10
וְתִֽמֹרֹ֔ת
and palm trees
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
#11
וּפְטוּרֵ֖י
opened, i.e., (as noun) a bud
#12
צִצִּ֑ים
flowers
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
#13
מִלִּפְנִ֖ים
within
faceward, i.e., indoors
#14
וְלַֽחִיצֽוֹן׃
and without
properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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