Obadiah 1:7

Authorized King James Version

All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַֽד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַגְּב֣וּל

H1366

thee even to the border

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

שִׁלְּח֗וּךָ

H7971

have brought

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

כֹּ֚ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁ֣י

H582

All the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

בְרִיתֶ֔ךָ

H1285

of thy confederacy

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

הִשִּׁיא֛וּךָ

H5377

with thee have deceived

to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce

יָכְל֥וּ

H3201

thee and prevailed

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְךָ֖

#10

אַנְשֵׁ֣י

H582

All the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#11

שְׁלֹמֶ֑ךָ

H7965

that were at peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#12

לַחְמְךָ֗

H3899

against thee they that eat thy bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#13

יָשִׂ֤ימוּ

H7760

have laid

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#14

מָזוֹר֙

H4204

a wound

treachery, i.e., a plot

#15

תַּחְתֶּ֔יךָ

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#16

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#17

תְּבוּנָ֖ה

H8394

under thee there is none understanding

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

#18

בּֽוֹ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Obadiah. The concept of peace 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 Obadiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?