1 Kings 7:14

Authorized King James Version

He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִשָּׁה֩

H802

He was a widow's

a woman

אַלְמָנָ֨ה

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

ה֜וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִמַּטֵּ֣ה

H4294

of the tribe

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

נַפְתָּלִ֗י

H5321

of Naphtali

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְאָבִ֣יו

and his father

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

אִישׁ

H376

was a man

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)

צֹרִי֮

H6876

of Tyre

a tsorite or inhabitant of tsor (i.e., syrian)

#10

חֹרֵ֣שׁ

H2790

a worker

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

#11

בַּנְּחֹ֑שֶׁת

H5178

in brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

#12

וַ֠יִּמָּלֵא

H4390

and he was filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

הַחָכְמָ֤ה

H2451

with wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

#15

וְאֶת

H853

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

#16

הַתְּבוּנָה֙

H8394

and understanding

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

#17

וְאֶת

H853

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

#18

הַדַּ֔עַת

H1847

and cunning

knowledge

#19

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ

H6213

and wrought

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#20

כָּל

H3605

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

#21

מְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃

H4399

all his work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#22

בַּנְּחֹ֑שֶׁת

H5178

in brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

#23

וַיָּבוֹא֙

H935

And he came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#24

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#25

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

to king

a king

#26

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה

H8010

Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

#27

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ

H6213

and wrought

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#28

אֶת

H853

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

#29

כָּל

H3605

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

#30

מְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃

H4399

all his work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of wisdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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