1 Kings 8:40

Authorized King James Version

That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְמַ֙עַן֙
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#2
יִֽרָא֔וּךָ
That they may fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים
thee all the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
הֵ֥ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#7
חַיִּ֖ים
that they live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
פְּנֵ֣י
in
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה
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
נָתַ֖תָּה
which thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לַֽאֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃
H1
unto our 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 universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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