1 Kings 8:32

Authorized King James Version

Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֣ה׀
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
תִּשְׁמַ֣ע
Then hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
thou in heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#4
וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
וְשָֽׁפַטְתָּ֣
and judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ
thy servants
a servant
#8
לְהַרְשִׁ֣יעַ
condemning
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
#9
רָשָׁ֔ע
the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#10
לָ֥תֶת
to bring
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
דַּרְכּ֖וֹ
his way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
בְּרֹאשׁ֑וֹ
upon his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#13
וּלְהַצְדִּ֣יק
and justifying
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
#14
צַדִּ֔יק
the righteous
just
#15
לָ֥תֶת
to bring
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
ל֖וֹ
H0
#17
כְּצִדְקָתֽוֹ׃
him according to his righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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