1 Kings 8:34

Authorized King James Version

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּה֙
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
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
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
וְסָ֣לַחְתָּ֔
and forgive
to forgive
#5
לְחַטַּ֖את
the sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#6
עַמְּךָ֣
of thy people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
וַהֲשֵֽׁבֹתָם֙
and bring them again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה
unto the land
soil (from its general redness)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
נָתַ֖תָּ
which thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לַֽאֲבוֹתָֽם׃
H1
unto their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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