1 Kings 6:32

Authorized King James Version

The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁתֵּי֮
The two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#2
דַּלְת֣וֹת
doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#3
עֲצֵי
tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#4
שֶׁמֶן֒
also were of olive
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#5
וְקָלַ֣ע
and he carved
to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)
#6
עֲ֠לֵיהֶם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
מִקְלְע֨וֹת
upon them carvings
a sculpture (probably in bas-relief)
#8
הַכְּרוּבִ֥ים
of cherubims
a cherub or imaginary figure
#9
הַתִּֽמֹר֖וֹת
and palm trees
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
#10
וּפְטוּרֵ֥י
opened, i.e., (as noun) a bud
#11
צִצִּ֖ים
flowers
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
#12
וְצִפָּ֣ה
and overlaid
to sheet over (especially with metal)
#13
הַזָּהָֽב׃
gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#14
וַיָּ֛רֶד
and spread
to tread in pieces, i.e., (figuratively) to conquer, or (specifically) to overlay
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
הַכְּרוּבִ֥ים
of cherubims
a cherub or imaginary figure
#17
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַתִּֽמֹר֖וֹת
and palm trees
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הַזָּהָֽב׃
gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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