1 Kings 8:21

Authorized King James Version

And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאָשִׂ֨ם
And I have set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
שָׁ֤ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#3
מָקוֹם֙
there a place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#4
לָֽאָר֔וֹן
for the ark
a box
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#7
בְּרִ֣ית
wherein is the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#8
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
כָּרַת֙
which he made
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
#11
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
אֲבֹתֵ֔ינוּ
H1
with our fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#13
בְּהֽוֹצִיא֥וֹ
when he brought them out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#14
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
מֵאֶ֥רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
מִצְרָֽיִם׃
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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