1 Kings 9:23

Authorized King James Version

These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣לֶּה׀
these or those
#2
שָׂרֵ֣י
These were the chief
a head person (of any rank or class)
#3
הַנִּצָּבִ֗ים
of the officers
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃
in the work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#7
לִשְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
that were over Solomon's
shelomah, david's successor
#8
חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים
and fifty
fifty
#9
וַֽחֲמֵ֣שׁ
five
five
#10
מֵא֑וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#11
הָֽרֹדִ֣ים
which bare rule
to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
#12
בָּעָ֔ם
over the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
הָֽעֹשִׂ֖ים
that wrought
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃
in the work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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