1 Kings 8:36

Authorized King James Version

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֣ה׀

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּשְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

Then hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם

H8064

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

וְסָ֨לַחְתָּ֜

H5545

and forgive

to forgive

לְחַטַּ֤את

H2403

the sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙

H5650

of thy servants

a servant

לְעַמְּךָ֖

H5971

and of thy people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

תוֹרֵ֛ם

H3384

that thou teach

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

הַדֶּ֥רֶךְ

H1870

way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#13

הַטּוֹבָ֖ה

H2896

them the good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#14

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

יֵֽלְכוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

בָ֑הּ

#17

נָתַ֥תָּה

H5414

and give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#18

מָטָר֙

H4306

rain

#19

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#20

אַרְצְךָ֔

H776

upon thy land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#21

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

נָתַ֥תָּה

H5414

and give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#23

לְעַמְּךָ֖

H5971

and of thy people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#24

לְנַֽחֲלָֽה׃

H5159

for an inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of covenant community 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

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

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?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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