1 Kings 7:32

Authorized King James Version

And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַרְבַּ֣עַת
were four
four
#2
הָֽאוֹפַ֣ן
of the wheels
a wheel
#3
לְמִתַּ֙חַת֙
And under
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#4
לַֽמִּסְגְּר֔וֹת
the borders
something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold
#5
וִיד֥וֹת
and the axletrees
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
הָֽאוֹפַ֣ן
of the wheels
a wheel
#7
בַּמְּכוֹנָ֑ה
were joined to the base
a pedestal, also a spot
#8
וְקוֹמַת֙
and the height
height
#9
הָֽאוֹפַ֣ן
of the wheels
a wheel
#10
הָֽאֶחָ֔ד
of a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
הָֽאַמָּֽה׃
a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#12
וַֽחֲצִ֥י
and half
the half or middle
#13
הָֽאַמָּֽה׃
a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources