1 Kings 8:58

Authorized King James Version

That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְהַטּ֥וֹת
That he may incline
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#2
לְבָבֵ֖נוּ
our hearts
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#3
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
לָלֶ֣כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
דְּרָכָ֗יו
in all his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
וְלִשְׁמֹ֨ר
and to keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#8
מִצְוֹתָ֤יו
his commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#9
וְחֻקָּיו֙
and his statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#10
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֔יו
and his judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#11
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
צִוָּ֖ה
which he commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
אֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃
H1
our fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation 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 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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