1 Kings
1 Kings front
Introduction to 1 Kings
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of 1 Kings
- David dies and Solomon begins to reign (1:1–2:46)
- Solomon reigns (3:1–11:43)
- Solomon becomes wise and wealthy (3:1–4:43)
- Solomon’s temple (5:1–8:66)
- Rise and fall of Solomon (9:1–11:43)
- The kingdom divides (12:1–14:31)
- Rehoboam succeeds Solomon (12:1–24)
- Jeroboam rules the northern kingdom of Israel (12:25–33)
- Ahijah prophesies against Jeroboam (13:1–14:20)
- Rehoboam’s end (14:21–31)
- Kings and events in Israel and Judah (15:1–22:53)
- Abijah and Asa in Judah (15:1–24)
- Nadab in Israel (15:25–32)
- Baasha in Israel (15:33–16:7)
- Elah in Israel (16:8–14)
- Zimri in Israel (16:15–22)
- Omri in Israel (16:23–28)
- Ahab in Israel (16:29–22:40)
- Jehoshaphat in Judah (22:41–50)
- Ahaziah in Israel (22:51–53)
What are the Books of 1 and 2 Kings about?
These books are about what happened to the people of Israel, from the time of King Solomon to the time both the northern and southern kingdoms were destroyed. These books describe how Israel split into two kingdoms after Solomon died. It also tells about all the kings that ruled over each kingdom after Solomon died.
In the southern kingdom, some kings did what Yahweh judged to be right. For example, King Josiah repaired the temple and reformed the worship of Yahweh. He responded to the high priest finding a copy of the Law of Yahweh in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22–23). However, all of the kings of the northern kingdom were wicked.
The Assyrians destroyed the northern kingdom in 722 B.C. The Babylonians destroyed the southern kingdom in 586 B.C.
How should the title of this book be translated?
The Books of 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book in Hebrew. They were separated into two books when translated into Greek. Translators might choose more meaningful titles such as “The First Book about the Kings” and “The Second Book about the Kings.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What was the purpose of 1 and 2 Kings?
These books were probably finished during the exile, after the Babylonians had destroyed the temple. They show how being faithful to Yahweh results in his blessing and prospering his people. Worshipping idols and not being faithful result in their being punished and destroyed.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
Why do the Books of 1 and 2 Kings refer to someone being addressed indirectly?
In the Bible, people often referred to themselves as “your servant” when speaking to anyone in a superior position to themselves. Indirectly addressing people in this way was intended to honor the one addressed. English sometimes uses the address “sir” in this way. But a translator should use whatever expressions that are natural in the project language in order to honor someone in a superior position.
What does the king “did what was right (or evil) in the eyes of Yahweh” mean?
The writer repeats this kind of expression throughout the Books of 1 and 2 Kings. Here “in the eyes of Yahweh” represents what Yahweh thinks about someone. If a king was faithful and obeyed the covenant, he did what was right according to Yahweh. If he was not faithful and disobeyed the covenant, he did what was evil according to Yahweh.
What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?
The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. God changed his name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. (See: Israel, Israelites)
Can I translate the Book of 1 Kings before I translate the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel?
The Books of 1 and 2 Samuel should be translated before 1 Kings, since 1 Kings continues from where 2 Samuel ends.
1 Kings 1
1 Kings 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
- David dies and Solomon begins to reign (1:1–2:46)
- Abishag begins to take care of King David (1:1–4)
- Adonijah claims to be the next king (1:5–10)
- Nathan advises Bathsheba on how to respond (1:11–14)
- Bathsheba and Nathan inform King David about Adonijah (1:15–27)
- King David responds by appointing Solomon as the next king (1:28–37)
- Solomon is proclaimed as the next king (1:38–40)
- Jonathan informs Adonijah, Joab, and the people with them about Solomon (1:41–48)
- Solomon has mercy on Adonijah (1:49–53)
Special Concepts in this Chapter
The next king
It was customary in this culture for a king, when he became old or died, to be succeeded as king by one of his sons. King David had many sons with many different wives, and he had not indicated which son would be king after him. So, Adonijah, one of the oldest sons, decided that he wanted to be king. He invited many important people to a feast, and they all agreed that he should be the next king. However, some other important people went to King David and asked him to make Solomon, one of Adonijah’s younger brothers, the next king. When David agreed to do this, everyone who agreed that Adonijah should be the next king ran away and no longer supported him. Be sure that your readers understand that the narrative of this chapter is about who will be the next king after King David.
Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter
Symbolic actions
In this chapter, people perform several different kinds of actions that had special significance in their culture. When someone sits on a throne, it indicates that this person has power and authority. When people bow or prostrate themselves before someone else, it indicates that they are honoring and giving respect to that person. When someone is anointed with oil, it indicates that this person is being commissioned to accomplish a specific task or fill a specific role. If the significance of these actions would be misunderstood in your culture, you state their meaning explicitly in your translation. See the notes on the verses that describe these actions for translation options. (See: Symbolic Action)
Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter
Singular and plural forms of “you”
Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in conversations with individual people. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. You should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)
1 Kings 1:1
Now the king
Quote: וְהַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Here, the word Now introduces something that happened sometime after the events narrated at the end of the previous book (see 2 Samuel 24:1–25). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a later event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Later on, the king”
was old; he came into the days
Quote: זָקֵ֔ן בָּ֖א בַּיָּמִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrases was old and came into the days mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “was extremely old”
he came into the days
Quote: בָּ֖א בַּיָּמִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase he came into the days indicates that David had lived very many days, so he was extremely old. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he was advanced in age” or “he had lived a long time”
And they covered {him
Quote: וַיְכַסֻּ֨הוּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they refers to David’s servants or attendants. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “and his attendants covered him”
but it was not warm for him
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יִחַ֖ם לֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “but he could not keep warm”
1 Kings 1:2
his servants
Quote: עֲבָדָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word servants could refer to: (1) important officials or attendants in David’s court. Alternate translation: “his courtiers” or “his advisors” (1) attendants, perhaps the same people mentioned in the previous verse who tried to keep David warm. Alternate translation: “his attendants”
And his servants said to him, “Let them seek for my lord the king a young woman, a virgin, and she will stand to the face of the king. And she may be one who is useful for him, and she will lie in your bosom, and it will be warm for my lord the king
Quote: וַיֹּ֧אמְרוּ ל֣וֹ עֲבָדָ֗יו יְבַקְשׁ֞וּ לַאדֹנִ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ נַעֲרָ֣ה בְתוּלָ֔ה וְעָֽמְדָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ וּתְהִי־ל֖וֹ סֹכֶ֑נֶת וְשָׁכְבָ֣ה בְחֵיקֶ֔ךָ וְחַ֖ם לַאדֹנִ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “And his servants asked him if people could seek for him, the king, a young woman, a virgin, so that she could stand to his face. They told him that she would be one who is useful for him, and she would lie in his bosom, and it would be warm for him, the king”
Let them seek
Quote: יְבַקְשׁ֞וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They refers to the people whom the servants sent to seek for the young woman. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use a form that refers to an indefinite group of people. Alternate translation: “Certain people are seeking”
for my lord the king … to the face of the king. … for him, … for my lord the king
Quote: לַאדֹנִ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ & לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ & ל֖וֹ & לַאדֹנִ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
These servants addresses king David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “for you, my great king, … to your face … for you … for you, my great king”
and she will stand to the face of
Quote: וְעָֽמְדָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the servants speak of how the young woman will always serve the king as if she would stand to the face of the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and she will always be ready to serve”
and she will lie in your bosom
Quote: וְשָׁכְבָ֣ה בְחֵיקֶ֔ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the servants imply that the young woman will sleep in David’s bed with him and will physically touch him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and she will lie down in your arms” or “she will hug you as you sleep”
and it will be warm for my lord the king
Quote: וְחַ֖ם לַאדֹנִ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Alternate translation: “and she will keep my lord the king warm”
1 Kings 1:3
And they sought … and they found … and they brought
Quote: וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙ & וַֽיִּמְצְא֗וּ & וַיָּבִ֥אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they throughout this verse could refer to: (1) the people whom the servants were speaking about in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And certain people sought … And they found … and they brought” (2) the servants who were speaking in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And those servants sought … And they found … and they brought”
in all the territory of Israel
Quote: בְּכֹ֖ל גְּב֣וּל יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “in most of the territory of Israel”
Abishag
Quote: אֲבִישַׁג֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Abishag is the name of a woman.
the Shunammite
Quote: הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Shunammite refers to someone who is from the town of Shunem, which was in the hill country to the southwest of the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer more directly to the town of Shunem. Alternate translation: “from Shunem”
1 Kings 1:4
was beautiful as far as abundance
Quote: יָפָ֣ה עַד־מְאֹ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of abundance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “was abundantly beautiful”
was beautiful as far as abundance
Quote: יָפָ֣ה עַד־מְאֹ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase as far as abundance indicates that Abishag was extremely beautiful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “was very beautiful”
but the king did not know her
Quote: וְהַמֶּ֖לֶךְ לֹ֥א יְדָעָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The author is referring to having sex in a polite way by using the word know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “but the king did not sleep with her” or “but the king did not have sexual relations with her”
1 Kings 1:5-6
And Adonijah the son of Haggith lifted himself up, saying, “I, myself, will reign.” And he made for himself a chariot and horsemen and 50 men running to his face … And his father did not pain him from his days, saying, “Why have you done so?” And also, he was very good of form, and she had borne him after Absalom
Quote: וַאֲדֹנִיָּ֧ה בֶן־חַגִּ֛ית מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א לֵאמֹ֖ר אֲנִ֣י אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ וַיַּ֣עַשׂ ל֗וֹ רֶ֚כֶב וּפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים וַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים אִ֖ישׁ רָצִ֥ים לְפָנָֽיו & וְלֹֽא־עֲצָב֨וֹ אָבִ֤יו מִיָּמָיו֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר מַדּ֖וּעַ כָּ֣כָה עָשִׂ֑יתָ וְגַם־ה֤וּא טֽוֹב־תֹּ֨אַר֙ מְאֹ֔ד וְאֹת֥וֹ יָלְדָ֖ה אַחֲרֵ֥י אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge
If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine 1:5 and 1:6 into a verse bridge, as UST does, in order to give the background information about Adonijah before stating what he did. Alternate translation: “And Adonijah was the son of Haggith. She had borne him after Absalom, and he was very good of form. His father had not pained him from his days, saying, ‘Why have you done so?’ He lifted himself up, saying, ‘I, myself, will reign.’ And he made for himself a chariot and horsemen and 50 men running to his face.”
1 Kings 1:5
Haggith
Quote: חַגִּ֛ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Haggith is the name of a woman. She was one of David’s wives.
lifted himself up
Quote: מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
He the author speaks of how Adonijah began to take power and demand honor as if he were literally lifting himself up in the air. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “exalted himself” or “began to take honor and power”
saying, “I, myself, will reign
Quote: לֵאמֹ֖ר אֲנִ֣י אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying that he himself would reign”
a chariot
Quote: רֶ֚כֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Here, the word translated chariot could: (1) refer to one chariot that Adonijah rode in. Alternate translation: “one chariot” (2) refer to multiple chariots using a singular form. Alternate translation: “chariots”
and 50 men running to his face
Quote: וַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים אִ֖ישׁ רָצִ֥ים לְפָנָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that these 50 men were a special guard who escorted Adonijah when he went anywhere. They ran along with the chariot that he rode in. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and 50 men who ran with him as his guard” or “and a special group of 50 men who ran with him to honor and protect him”
1 Kings 1:6
And his father did not pain him
Quote: וְלֹֽא־עֲצָב֨וֹ אָבִ֤יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author speaks of how David could have confronted or rebuked Adonijah as if it were paining him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And his father did not confront him” or “And his father did not discipline him”
from his days
Quote: מִיָּמָיו֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase from his days refers to all of Adonijah’s life up to this point. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during his life up to this point” or “ever”
saying, “Why have you done so
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר מַדּ֖וּעַ כָּ֣כָה עָשִׂ֑יתָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “asking why he had done something.”
Why have you done so
Quote: מַדּ֖וּעַ כָּ֣כָה עָשִׂ֑יתָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author illustrates how David might used the question form to rebuke Adonijah. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You know that you should not have done so.” or “You should not have done so!”
was very good of form
Quote: טֽוֹב־תֹּ֨אַר֙ מְאֹ֔ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe a form that is good. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “had a very good form”
and she had borne him after Absalom
Quote: וְאֹת֥וֹ יָלְדָ֖ה אַחֲרֵ֥י אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Adonijah’s mother, Haggith, had borne Adonijah after Absalom’s mother bore him. In other words, Adonijah was the next youngest son of David after Absalom. However, Adonijah and Absalom did not have the same mother. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and Haggith had borne him after Absalom’s mother had borne Absalom” or “and he was the son of David who was born after Absalom was born”
1 Kings 1:7
And his words were
Quote: וַיִּהְי֣וּ דְבָרָ֔יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase his words were with indicates that Adonijah discussed his plans with Joab and Abiathar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And he conspired” or “And he discussed his plans”
Zeruiah
Quote: צְרוּיָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Zeruiah is the name of a woman. She was David’s sister.
And they helped behind Adonijah
Quote: וַֽיַּעְזְר֔וּ אַחֲרֵ֖י אֲדֹנִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Joab and Abiathar supported Adonijah in his plans to become the next king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And they supported and helped Adonijah as he tried to become king” or “And they backed Adonijah as the next king”
1 Kings 1:8
and Rei
Quote: וְרֵעִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Rei is the name of a man.
who were for David
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְדָוִ֑ד (1)Alternate translation: “who served David”
were not with Adonijah
Quote: לֹ֥א הָי֖וּ עִם־אֲדֹנִיָּֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that these people did not support Adonijah in his plans to become the next king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “did not support and help Adonijah as he tried to become king” or “did not back Adonijah as the next king”
1 Kings 1:9
and fatling
Quote: וּמְרִ֔יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the word fatling is singular in form, but it refers to many fatlings as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “and fatlings”
and fatling
Quote: וּמְרִ֔יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Here, the word fatling refers to an animal that has been fed a lot of food so that it becomes fat and is very good to eat. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “animals that were given plenty of food so that they would be fat” or “young cows that were specially prepared to be eaten”
the stone of Zoheleth
Quote: אֶ֣בֶן הַזֹּחֶ֔לֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Zoheleth is the name of a specific stone that was somewhere near Jerusalem.
En Rogel
Quote: עֵ֣ין רֹגֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The phrase En Rogel is the name of a spring that was in a valley near Jerusalem. The word En means “spring.”
all of his brothers, … and to all the men of Judah
Quote: אֶת־כָּל־אֶחָיו֙ & וּלְכָל־אַנְשֵׁ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
As the following verse makes clear, the author says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “almost all of his brothers … and to almost all the men of Judah”
1 Kings 1:10
his brother Solomon
Quote: שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה אָחִ֖יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship
Solomon was the younger brother of Adonijah. Also, he had a different mother than Adonijah did, so he was Adonijah’s half-brother. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: “Solomon, his younger half-brother”
1 Kings 1:11
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he asked”
Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and our master David does not know
Quote: הֲל֣וֹא שָׁמַ֔עַתְּ כִּ֥י מָלַ֖ךְ אֲדֹנִיָּ֣הוּ בֶן־חַגִּ֑ית וַאֲדֹנֵ֥ינוּ דָוִ֖ד לֹ֥א יָדָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Nathan is using the question form to inform Bathsheba of something. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I tell you that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and our master David does not know.” or “Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and our master David does not know!”
Haggith
Quote: חַגִּ֑ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Haggith is the name of a woman. She was one of David’s wives.
reigns
Quote: מָלַ֖ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Nathan implies that Adonijah is trying to reign. Nathan believes that David is still the real king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is attempting to reign” or “wants to make himself king”
and our master
Quote: וַאֲדֹנֵ֥ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
By our, Nathan means himself, Bathsheba, and the rest of the Israelites, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
1 Kings 1:12
come
Quote: לְכִ֛י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Nathan speaks as if he wants Bathsheba to come to him. He means that she should listen to him and act with him. Alternate translation: “listen” or “trust me”
please let me advise you with advice
Quote: אִיעָצֵ֥ךְ נָ֖א עֵצָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Here, let me advise you with advice is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis.
and save
Quote: וּמַלְּטִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Here, the word and introduces the purpose for which Bathsheba should let Nathan advise her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that you may save”
your life and the life of your son Solomon
Quote: אֶת־נַפְשֵׁ֔ךְ וְאֶת־נֶ֥פֶשׁ בְּנֵ֖ךְ שְׁלֹמֹֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “so that you and your son Solomon will live”
1 Kings 1:13
Go and come
Quote: לְכִ֞י וּבֹ֣אִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say only Go or come instead of both Go and come. Alternate translation: “Go” or “Come”
and you shall say to him, ‘Have not you, my lord the king, sworn to your female servant, saying, “Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne?” And why does Adonijah reign
Quote: וְאָמַ֤רְתְּ אֵלָיו֙ הֲלֹֽא־אַתָּ֞ה אֲדֹנִ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ נִשְׁבַּ֤עְתָּ לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כִּֽי־שְׁלֹמֹ֤ה בְנֵךְ֙ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרַ֔י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֑י וּמַדּ֖וּעַ מָלַ֥ךְ אֲדֹנִיָֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have indirect quotations here. Alternate translation: “and you shall ask him whether he, your master the king, has not sworn to you, his female servant, saying that surely Solomon your son would reign after him, and he would sit on his throne. And you will ask him Adonijah reigns.”
Have not you, my lord the king, sworn to your female servant, saying, “Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne
Quote: הֲלֹֽא־אַתָּ֞ה אֲדֹנִ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ נִשְׁבַּ֤עְתָּ לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כִּֽי־שְׁלֹמֹ֤ה בְנֵךְ֙ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרַ֔י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Nathan suggests that Bathsheba should use the question form to remind David of what he had previously promised. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Remember that you, my master the king, have sworn to your female servant, saying, ‘Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’” or “Do not forget, my master the king, that you have sworn to your female servant, saying, ‘Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne’!”
to your female servant
Quote: לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Nathan suggests that Bathsheba speak about herself in the third person. This was one way to address someone in a respectful way. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “to me, your female servant”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
If you keep the direct quotation here, consider natural ways of introducing it. Alternate translation: “when you said”
Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne
Quote: כִּֽי־שְׁלֹמֹ֤ה בְנֵךְ֙ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרַ֔י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses. Alternate translation: “Surely Solomon your son will reign after me; yes, he will sit on my throne” or “Surely Solomon your son will reign from my throne”
will sit on my throne
Quote: יֵשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “will sit on my throne to rule” or “will sit on my throne as king”
And why does Adonijah reign
Quote: וּמַדּ֖וּעַ מָלַ֥ךְ אֲדֹנִיָֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Nathan suggests that Bathsheba should use the question form to inform David of something that is contrary to what he already promised. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “However, I tell you that Adonijah reigns.” or “So, Adonijah the son of Haggith should not reign!”
does Adonijah reign
Quote: מָלַ֥ךְ אֲדֹנִיָֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Nathan suggests that Bathsheba should imply that Adonijah is trying to reign. Nathan and Bathsheba believe that David is still the real king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “does Adonijah attempt to reign” or “does Adonijah want to make himself king”
1 Kings 1:14
Behold
Quote: הִנֵּ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Nathan is using the term Behold to draw attention to what he plans to do while Bathsheba is talking with David. Your language may have a comparable way of calling attention to this event that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “After that” or “Right away”
then I myself will come in
Quote: וַאֲנִי֙ אָב֣וֹא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
Nathan uses the word myself to emphasize how significant it will be that he will come in. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “then I, yes I, will come in”
behind you
Quote: אַחֲרַ֔יִךְ (1)Alternate translation: “after you do”
and will fill your words
Quote: וּמִלֵּאתִ֖י אֶת־דְּבָרָֽיִךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Nathan speaks as if Bathsheba’s words were containers that were partly full and that he would fill them up completely. He means that he will confirm that what Bathsheba has said is true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and will testify to the truth of your words” or “and confirm what you have said”
1 Kings 1:15
And Bathsheba came to the king at the chamber. (Now the king was very old and Abishag the Shunammite {was} attending the king
Quote: וַתָּבֹ֨א בַת־שֶׁ֤בֶע אֶל־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַחַ֔דְרָה וְהַמֶּ֖לֶךְ זָקֵ֣ן מְאֹ֑ד וַֽאֲבִישַׁג֙ הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית מְשָׁרַ֖ת אֶת־הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the background information before narrating what Bathsheba did. Alternate translation: “Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending the king in his chamber. Then Bathsheba came to the king there”
And Bathsheba came
Quote: וַתָּבֹ֨א בַת־שֶׁ֤בֶע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “And Bathsheba went”
at the chamber
Quote: הַחַ֔דְרָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word chamber refers to the private room in which the king slept. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “at the room in which he slept”
and Abishag
Quote: וַֽאֲבִישַׁג֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Abishag is the name of a woman. She has already been mentioned in 1:3.
the Shunammite
Quote: הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Shunammite refers to someone who is from the town of Shunem, which was in the hill country to the southwest of the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer more directly to the town of Shunem. See how you expressed the idea in 1:3. Alternate translation: “from Shunem”
1 Kings 1:16
And Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself
Quote: וַתִּקֹּ֣ד בַּת־שֶׁ֔בַע וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms bowed and prostrated herself mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “And Bathsheba bowed very respectfully” or “And Bathsheba prostrated herself to the ground”
And Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself
Quote: וַתִּקֹּ֣ד בַּת־שֶׁ֔בַע וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In Bathsheba’s culture, when people bowed and prostrated themselves to someone else, they were honoring respecting that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “And Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself in respect” or “And Bathsheba, to honor him, bowed and prostrated herself”
And the king said, “What {is} for you
Quote: וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ מַה־לָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “And the the king asked what was for her.”
What {is} for you
Quote: מַה־לָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase What is for you means that the king wished to know what Bathsheba wanted to request. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What is your desire” or “What can I do for you”
1 Kings 1:17
you yourself have sworn to your female servant by Yahweh your God
Quote: אַתָּ֨ה נִשְׁבַּ֜עְתָּ בַּֽיהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ לַֽאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here Bathsheba reminds David about how he swore an oath by Yahweh your God that he would make Solomon the next king. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “you yourself swore before Yahweh your God to your female servant” or “you yourself solemnly promised Yahweh your God before your female servant”
you yourself have sworn
Quote: אַתָּ֨ה נִשְׁבַּ֜עְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
Bathsheba uses the word yourself to emphasize how significant it was that David had made this promise. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “it was you who swore”
to your female servant
Quote: לַֽאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Bathsheba speaks about herself in the third person. This was one way to address someone in a respectful way. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “to me, your female servant,”
by Yahweh your God
Quote: בַּֽיהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Bathsheba emphasizes that Yahweh is David’s God, but she implies that Yahweh is her God as well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “by Yahweh, your God and mine”
your God, ‘Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne
Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ & כִּֽי־שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה בְנֵ֖ךְ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרָ֑י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “your God that Solomon my son would surely reign after you, and he would sit on your throne.”
Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne
Quote: כִּֽי־שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה בְנֵ֖ךְ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרָ֑י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses. See how you expressed the similar form in 1:13. Alternate translation: “Surely Solomon your son will reign after me; yes, he will sit on my throne” or “Surely Solomon your son will reign from my throne”
will sit on my throne
Quote: יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “will sit on my throne to rule” or “will sit on my throne as king”
1 Kings 1:18
And now, … and now
Quote: וְעַתָּ֕ה & וְעַתָּ֛ה (1)Alternate translation: “And at this time … and at this time”
behold
Quote: הִנֵּ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the word behold draws David’s attention and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen, or you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I want to inform you of this:” or “please listen to me”
reigns
Quote: מָלָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Bathsheba implies that Adonijah is trying to reign. Bathsheba believes that David is still the real king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is attempting to reign” or “wants to make himself king”
and now
Quote: וְעַתָּ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Many ancient manuscripts read and now. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “and you.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
1 Kings 1:19
and fatling
Quote: וּֽמְרִיא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the word fatling is singular in form, but it refers to many fatlings as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “and fatlings”
and fatling
Quote: וּֽמְרִיא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Here, the word fatling refers to an animal that has been fed a lot of food so that it becomes fat and is very good to eat. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. See how you translated this word in 1:9. Alternate translation: “and animals that were given plenty of food so that they would be fat” or “and young cows that were specially prepared to be eaten”
to abundance
Quote: לָרֹב֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of abundance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “abundantly”
to all the sons of the king
Quote: לְכָל־בְּנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
As the end of the verse makes clear, Bathsheba says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “to almost all of the sons of the king”
the king
Quote: הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Bathsheba addresses king David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “of you, the king,”
1 Kings 1:20
And you
Quote: וְאַתָּה֙ (1)Alternate translation: “But as for you”
And you
Quote: וְאַתָּה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Many ancient manuscripts read And you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “And now.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
the eyes of all Israel {are} on you
Quote: עֵינֵ֥י כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עָלֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here, eyes represents attention and focus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the attention of all Israel is on you” or “all Israel is focusing on you”
will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him
Quote: יֵשֵׁ֛ב עַל־כִּסֵּ֥א אֲדֹנִֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ אַחֲרָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “will sit on the throne of my lord the king to rule after him” or “will sit on the throne of my lord the king as king after him”
my lord the king after him
Quote: אֲדֹנִֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ אַחֲרָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Bathsheba addresses King David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, my lord the king, after you”
1 Kings 1:21
as soon as my lord the king lies down with his fathers
Quote: כִּשְׁכַ֥ב אֲדֹנִֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ עִם־אֲבֹתָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Bathsheba addresses King David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “as soon as you, my lord the king, lie down with your fathers”
as soon as my lord the king lies down with his fathers
Quote: כִּשְׁכַ֥ב אֲדֹנִֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ עִם־אֲבֹתָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Bathsheba is referring to David’s death in a polite way by using the phrase lies down with his fathers, which refers to being buried near one’s ancestors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “as soon as my master the king passes away” or “as soon as my lord the king dies and is buried with his fathers”
his fathers
Quote: אֲבֹתָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Bathsheba is using fathers to represent David’s ancestors in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his ancestors”
that I myself and my son Solomon will be
Quote: וְהָיִ֗יתִי אֲנִ֛י וּבְנִ֥י שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
Bathsheba uses the word myself to emphasize how concerned she is for her safety. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “that, as for me, I and my son Solomon will be”
sinners
Quote: חַטָּאִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Bathsheba implies that whoever becomes king will treat her and Solomon as they had sinned against the new king. She means that the new king will punish them severely, perhaps by executing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “considered traitors” or “executed as sinners”
1 Kings 1:22
And behold
Quote: וְהִנֵּ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audience’s attention in another way. Alternate translation: “And listen” or “And right away”
came
Quote: בָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”
1 Kings 1:23
And they told
Quote: וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they refers to David’s servants or attendants. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “And the king’s attendants told”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”
Behold
Quote: הִנֵּ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the word behold draws the attention of the king and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen or pay attention. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Look”
Nathan the prophet
Quote: נָתָ֣ן הַנָּבִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The servants are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Nathan the prophet has come”
And he came to the face of the king
Quote: וַיָּבֹא֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Bathsheba left the king before Nathan went to him (see 1:28). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit here. Alternate translation: “And Bathsheba went away, and Nathan came before the face of the king”
and he prostrated himself to the king upon his nostrils to the ground
Quote: וַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ עַל־אַפָּ֖יו אָֽרְצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In Nathan’s culture, when people prostrated themselves to someone else, they were honoring respecting that person. The author describes how Nathan’s nostrils were toward the ground to indicate that Nathan prostrated himself on the ground, which was a way to show even more honor or respect. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “and he prostrated himself to the king in deep respect, with his nose touching the ground” or “and Nathan, to honor the king greatly, prostrated himself upon the ground”
1 Kings 1:24
have you yourself said, ‘Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne
Quote: אַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֔רְתָּ אֲדֹנִיָּ֖הוּ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרָ֑י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Nathan is using the question form to inform David that Adonijah is acting as if David named him the next king. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Adonijah is acting as if you yourself said, ‘Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’”
have you yourself said, ‘Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne
Quote: אַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֔רְתָּ אֲדֹנִיָּ֖הוּ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרָ֑י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “have you yourself said that Adonijah will reign after you and sit on your throne”
Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne
Quote: אֲדֹנִיָּ֖הוּ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרָ֑י וְה֖וּא יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. See how you expressed the similar form in 1:13. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses. Alternate translation: “Adonijah will reign after me; yes, he will sit on my throne” or “Adonijah will reign from my throne”
will sit on my throne
Quote: יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the similar phrase in 1:13. Alternate translation: “will sit on my throne to rule” or “will sit on my throne as king”
1 Kings 1:25
For
Quote: כִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here, the word For introduces a reason why Nathan asks David if he has appointed Adonijah as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I ask because” or “Here is why I ask that:”
he has gone down today
Quote: יָרַ֣ד הַיּ֗וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, Nathan implies that Adonijah has gone down to the area near En Rogel (see 1:9). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he has gone down today to the area near En Rogel”
he has gone down
Quote: יָרַ֣ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “he has come down”
ox and fatling
Quote: שׁ֥וֹר וּֽמְרִיא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the words ox and fatling are singular in form, but they refer to many oxen and fatlings as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “oxen and fatlings”
and fatling
Quote: וּֽמְרִיא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Here, the word fatling refers to an animal that has been fed a lot of food so that it becomes fat and is very good to eat. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. See how you translated this word in 1:9. Alternate translation: “and animals that were given plenty of food so that they would be fat” or “and young cows that were specially prepared to be eaten”
to abundance
Quote: לָרֹב֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of abundance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “abundantly”
to all of the sons of the king
Quote: לְכָל־בְּנֵ֨י הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
As the context makes clear, Nathan says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “to almost all of the sons of the king”
the king
Quote: הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Nathan addresses king David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, the king,”
And behold, they
Quote: וְהִנָּ֛ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the word behold draws the attention of the king and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen or pay attention. Alternate translation: “And listen, they” or “And hear this: they”
And they say, ‘Let the king Adonijah live
Quote: וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ יְחִ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲדֹנִיָּֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And they wish that king Adonijah would live”
Let the king Adonijah live
Quote: יְחִ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲדֹנִיָּֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Here, the phrase Let the king Adonijah live is a polite way to wish that Adonijah will have a long and good life. This was a respectful way to honor and bless a person in authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable polite form or make the idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “We hope that the king Adonijah will have a long life” or “We wish the king Adonijah well”
1 Kings 1:26
me your servant, … and to Solomon your servant
Quote: אֲנִֽי־עַ֠בְדֶּךָ & וְלִשְׁלֹמֹ֥ה עַבְדְּךָ֖ (1)Alternate translation: “I who serve you … and to Solomon, who serves you”
1 Kings 1:27
Has this matter been done from with my lord the king, and you have not caused your servants to know who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him
Quote: אִ֗ם מֵאֵת֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ נִהְיָ֖ה הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה וְלֹ֤א הוֹדַ֨עְתָּ֙ אֶֽת־עבדיך מִ֗י יֵשֵׁ֛ב עַל־כִּסֵּ֥א אֲדֹנִֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ אַחֲרָֽיו (1)This sentence could be translated: (1) in question form. See the UST. (2) in conditional form. Alternate translation: “If this matter has been done from with my lord the king, then you have not caused your servants to know who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.”
this matter been done from with my lord the king
Quote: מֵאֵת֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ נִהְיָ֖ה הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my lord the king done this matter”
my lord the king, … my lord the king after him
Quote: אֲדֹנִ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ & אֲדֹנִֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ אַחֲרָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Nathan addresses King David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, my lord the king, … you, my lord the king, after you”
your servants
Quote: אֶֽת־עבדיך (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Jewish scribes instructed synagogue readers to say “servant” when they got to the word translated servants. In that case, the word refers only to Joab. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him
Quote: יֵשֵׁ֛ב עַל־כִּסֵּ֥א אֲדֹנִֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ אַחֲרָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “will sit on the throne of my lord the king to rule after him” or “will sit on the throne of my lord the king as king after him”
1 Kings 1:28
And the king David answered and said
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַן הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ דָּוִד֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words answered and said express a single idea. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “And the king David answered him by saying” or “And the king David said”
and said
Quote: וַיֹּ֔אמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the author implies that David spoke to some of his servants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and said to some of his attendants”
And she came to the face of the king and she stood to the face of the king
Quote: וַתָּבֹא֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖ד לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
This sentence contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the sentence. Alternate translation: “And she came and stood to the face of the king”
And she came
Quote: וַתָּבֹא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Nathan left the king before Bathsheba came back in (see 1:32). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit here. Alternate translation: “And Nathan went away, and Bathsheba came”
And she came
Quote: וַתָּבֹא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “And she went”
1 Kings 1:29
And the king swore and said
Quote: וַיִּשָּׁבַ֥ע הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words swore and said express a single idea. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “And the king swore to her by saying” or “And the king swore”
As} Yahweh {is} alive
Quote: חַי־יְהוָ֕ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here David makes an oath that he will do what he promises in the following verse. He is indicating that Bathsheba can rely on his promise as much as she can rely on the fact that Yahweh is alive. Use a natural way in your language to express this kind of oath. Alternate translation: “As certainly as Yahweh is alive” or “You can be as confident about this as you are that Yahweh is alive”
who has ransomed my life from every distress
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־פָּדָ֥ה אֶת־נַפְשִׁ֖י מִכָּל־צָרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of how God has rescued him from every distress as if God had ransomed his life from the distress. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who has saved my life in every distress”
my life from every distress
Quote: נַפְשִׁ֖י מִכָּל־צָרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of life and distress, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “me whenever anything distressed me”
1 Kings 1:30
that
Quote: כִּ֡י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
David is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I declare that” or “I swear that”
I have sworn to you by Yahweh the God of Israel
Quote: נִשְׁבַּ֨עְתִּי לָ֜ךְ בַּיהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here David refers to how he swore an oath by Yahweh the God of Israel that he would make Solomon the next king. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “I have sworn before Yahweh the God of Israel to you” or “I have solemnly promised Yahweh the God of Israel in your presence”
saying, ‘Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place,’ that
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר כִּֽי־שְׁלֹמֹ֤ה בְנֵךְ֙ יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרַ֔י וְה֛וּא יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֖י תַּחְתָּ֑י כִּ֛י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying that Solomon your son would surely reign after me and that he would sit on my throne in place, surely”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
If you preserve the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “which I did when I said”
will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place
Quote: יִמְלֹ֣ךְ אַחֲרַ֔י וְה֛וּא יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֖י תַּחְתָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses. See how you expressed the similar form in 1:13. Alternate translation: “will reign after me; yes, he will sit on my throne in my place” or “will reign from my throne in my place”
will sit on my throne in my place
Quote: יֵשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֖י תַּחְתָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “will sit on my throne to rule in my place” or “will sit on my throne as king in my place”
1 Kings 1:31
And Bathsheba bowed, nostrils to the ground, and she prostrated herself to the king
Quote: וַתִּקֹּ֨ד בַּת־שֶׁ֤בַע אַפַּ֨יִם֙ אֶ֔רֶץ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In Bathsheba’s culture, when people bowed and prostrated themselves to someone else, they were honoring respecting that person. The author describes how Bathsheba’s nostrils were to the ground to indicate that Bathsheba lay down with her face on the ground, which was a way to show even more honor or respect. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “And Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself to the king in deep respect, with her nose touching the ground” or “And Bathsheba, to honor the king greatly, bowed and prostrated herself upon the ground”
And Bathsheba bowed, nostrils to the ground, and she prostrated herself to the king
Quote: וַתִּקֹּ֨ד בַּת־שֶׁ֤בַע אַפַּ֨יִם֙ אֶ֔רֶץ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrases bowed, nostrils to the ground and prostrated herself mean similar things. The author is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “And Bathsheba bowed, nostrils to the ground, very respectfully to the king” or “And Bathsheba prostrated herself, nostrils to the ground, to the king”
May my lord the king David live to eternity
Quote: יְחִ֗י אֲדֹנִ֛י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ דָּוִ֖ד לְעֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Here, the phrase May my lord the king David live to eternity is a polite way to wish that David will have a long and good life. This was a respectful way to honor and bless a person in authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable polite form or make the idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I hope that my lord the king David will have a long life” or “I wish my lord the king David well”
my lord the king David
Quote: אֲדֹנִ֛י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ דָּוִ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Bathsheba addresses king David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, my lord the king David,”
to eternity
Quote: לְעֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of eternity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “eternally” or “forever”
1 Kings 1:32
And the king David said
Quote: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ דָּוִ֗ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the author implies that David spoke to some of his servants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And the king David said to some of his attendants”
And they came
Quote: וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “And they went”
1 Kings 1:33
Take with you … your lords, and you shall cause Solomon my son to mount
Quote: קְח֤וּ עִמָּכֶם֙ & אֲדֹנֵיכֶ֔ם וְהִרְכַּבְתֶּם֙ אֶת־שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה בְנִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
Because David is speaking to Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, the command Take and the words you and your throughout this verse are plural.
your lords
Quote: אֲדֹנֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Here David could be using the plural lords: (1) to refer to just himself. In this case, he uses the plural form because it was a respectful way to refer to a person who had authority. Alternate translation: “your lord” (2) to refer to all the important officials who still supported David as king. Alternate translation: “the lords who still serve me”
your lords
Quote: אֲדֹנֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
If David uses the plural form lords to refer to himself, then he is speaking about himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “me, your lord”
Gihon
Quote: גִּחֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Gihon is the name of a spring near the city of Jerusalem, on the east side.
1 Kings 1:34
And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet shall anoint him there as king over Israel
Quote: וּמָשַׁ֣ח אֹת֣וֹ שָׁ֠ם צָד֨וֹק הַכֹּהֵ֜ן וְנָתָ֧ן הַנָּבִ֛יא לְמֶ֖לֶךְ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In David’s culture, when a person was anointed, they were being commissioned to do a specific task or fill a specific role. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning of this action more explicit. Alternate translation: “And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet shall anoint him there to commission him as king over Israel”
Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet
Quote: צָד֨וֹק הַכֹּהֵ֜ן וְנָתָ֧ן הַנָּבִ֛יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here David speaks to Zadok and Nathan in the third person in order to give them specific instructions. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form. Alternate translation: “you, Zadok the priest, and you, Nathan the prophet,”
And you shall blow … and you shall say
Quote: וּתְקַעְתֶּם֙ & וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
Because David is speaking to Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, the word you throughout this verse is plural.
And you shall blow with the horn
Quote: וּתְקַעְתֶּם֙ בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In David’s culture, people would blow with the horn when they wanted to announce something important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning of that action more explicit. Alternate translation: “And you shall announce him as king by blowing with the horn”
with the horn
Quote: בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word horn represents horns in general, not one particular horn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with horns”
and you shall say, ‘Let the king Solomon live
Quote: וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם יְחִ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and you shall wish that king Solomon would live.”
Let the king Solomon live
Quote: יְחִ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Here, the phrase Let the king Solomon live is a polite way to wish that Solomon will have a long and good life. This was a respectful way to honor and bless a person in authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable polite form or make the idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “We hope that the king Solomon will have a long life” or “We wish the king Solomon well”
1 Kings 1:35
And you shall go up after him
Quote: וַעֲלִיתֶ֣ם אַחֲרָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David implies that they will go back up to Jerusalem with Solomon and return to the palace. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And you shall go up after him back here to Jerusalem” or “And you shall return after him to the palace”
And you shall go up
Quote: וַעֲלִיתֶ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “And you shall come up”
And you shall go up
Quote: וַעֲלִיתֶ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
Because David is speaking to Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, the word you is plural.
and he shall come
Quote: וּבָא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “and he shall go”
and sit on my throne
Quote: וְיָשַׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “and sit on my throne to rule” or “and sit on my throne as king”
1 Kings 1:36
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king and said
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַן בְּנָיָ֧הוּ בֶן־יְהֽוֹיָדָ֛ע אֶת־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words answered and said express a single idea. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king by saying” or “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada said to the king”
Thus Yahweh the God of my lord the king speaks
Quote: כֵּ֚ן יֹאמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י אֲדֹנִ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Here Benaiah could be using the statement form: (1) to claim that Yahweh has declared the same thing that David has just declared. Alternate translation: “So also declares Yahweh the God of my lord the king” (2) to wish or hope that Yahweh will declare or confirm what David has just declared. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh the God of my lord the king so speak” or “May Yahweh the God of my lord the king confirm that”
Yahweh the God of my lord the king
Quote: יְהוָ֔ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י אֲדֹנִ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Benaiah emphasizes that Yahweh is David’s God, but he implies that Yahweh is his God as well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, my lord the king’s God and mine,”
my lord the king
Quote: אֲדֹנִ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Benaiah addresses King David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, my lord the king,”
1 Kings 1:37
my lord the king, … my lord the king David
Quote: אֲדֹנִ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ & אֲדֹנִ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ דָּוִֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Benaiah addresses David in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, my lord the king … you, my lord the king David”
and may he make his throne greater than the throne of my lord the king David
Quote: וִֽיגַדֵּל֙ אֶת־כִּסְא֔וֹ מִ֨כִּסֵּ֔א אֲדֹנִ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ דָּוִֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, throne represents the rule or reign of the person who sits on the throne. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and may he make his reign greater than the reign of my lord the king David” or “and may he make him a greater ruler than my lord the king David”
1 Kings 1:38
and the Kerethite and the Pelethite
Quote: וְהַכְּרֵתִי֙ וְהַפְּלֵתִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the words Kerethite and Pelethite are singular in form, but they refer to all the Kerethites and Pelethites as groups. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “and the Kerethites and the Pelethites”
and the Kerethite and the Pelethite
Quote: וְהַכְּרֵתִי֙ וְהַפְּלֵתִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Kerethite and Pelethite refer to two groups of people. Together, they served King David as his bodyguards.
And … went down
Quote: וַיֵּ֣רֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “And … came down”
Gihon
Quote: גִּחֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Gihon is the name of a spring near the city of Jerusalem, on the east side. See how you translated this name in 1:33.
1 Kings 1:39
And Zadok the priest took the horn of the oil from the tent, and he anointed
Quote: וַיִּקַּח֩ צָד֨וֹק הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֶת־קֶ֤רֶן הַשֶּׁ֨מֶן֙ מִן־הָאֹ֔הֶל וַיִּמְשַׁ֖ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Here the author indicates that Zadok had taken the horn of the oil from the tent before he went with Solomon to Gihon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that gives background information. Alternate translation: “Before they went to Gihon, Zadok the priest had taken the horn of the oil from the tent. After they arrived in Gihon, he anointed”
the horn of the oil from the tent
Quote: אֶת־קֶ֤רֶן הַשֶּׁ֨מֶן֙ מִן־הָאֹ֔הֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the author is referring to a special horn full of olive oil that was kept in the special tent that was dedicated to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the special horn full of olive oil from the tent that was dedicated to God”
and he anointed Solomon
Quote: וַיִּמְשַׁ֖ח אֶת־שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, when a person was anointed, they were being commissioned to do a specific task or fill a specific role, in this case that of king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning of this action more explicit. Alternate translation: “and he anointed Solomon to commission him as king”
and they blew with the horn
Quote: וַֽיִּתְקְעוּ֙ בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, people blew with the horn when they wanted to announce something important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning of that action more explicit. Alternate translation: “And they announced him as king by blowing with the horn”
and they blew
Quote: וַֽיִּתְקְעוּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they refers to some people who were there. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to people there more directly. Alternate translation: “And people who were there blew”
with the horn
Quote: בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word horn represents horns in general, not one particular horn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with horns”
all the people
Quote: כָּל־הָעָ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. He means that many people were there, and they were the ones who spoke the following words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very many people” or “each person there”
Let the king Solomon live
Quote: יְחִ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Here, the phrase Let the king Solomon live is a polite way to wish that Solomon will have a long and good life. This was a respectful way to honor and bless a person in authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable polite form or make the idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “We hope that the king Solomon will have a long life” or “We wish the king Solomon well”
1 Kings 1:40
And all the people went up
Quote: וַיַּעֲל֤וּ כָל־הָעָם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “And all the people came up”
all the people
Quote: כָל־הָעָם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
See how you translated this phrase in 1:39. Alternate translation: “very many people” or “each person there”
and were rejoicing {with} great joy
Quote: וּשְׂמֵחִ֖ים שִׂמְחָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Here, were rejoicing {with} great joy is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “and were extremely pleased”
with} great joy
Quote: שִׂמְחָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “very joyfully”
and the earth was split by their sound
Quote: וַתִּבָּקַ֥ע הָאָ֖רֶץ בְּקוֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author speaks as if the people were so loud that the earth was split by the noise that they were making. He means that they were extremely loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the earth was shaken by their sound” or “And their sound was very loud”
and the earth was split by their sound
Quote: וַתִּבָּקַ֥ע הָאָ֖רֶץ בְּקוֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And their sound split the earth”
1 Kings 1:41
and all the ones having been called
Quote: וְכָל־הַקְּרֻאִים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Adonijah. Alternate translation: “and all the ones whom he had called”
and they finished eating
Quote: וְהֵ֖ם כִּלּ֣וּ לֶאֱכֹ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous
Here, the word and introduces something that was happening when Adonijah and the people with him heard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a simultaneous event. Alternate translation: “as they finished eating”
the horn
Quote: הַשּׁוֹפָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word horn represents horns in general, not one particular horn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “horns”
and he said, “Why {is} the sound of the city noisy
Quote: וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מַדּ֥וּעַ קֽוֹל־הַקִּרְיָ֖ה הוֹמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “and he asked why the sound of the city was noisy.”
the sound of the city
Quote: קֽוֹל־הַקִּרְיָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, Joab is using the possessive form to describe a sound that is coming from the city. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the sound in the city”
1 Kings 1:42
and behold
Quote: וְהִנֵּ֧ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audience’s attention in another way. Alternate translation: “and just then” or “and suddenly”
came
Quote: בָּ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went there”
Come
Quote: בֹּ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word Come indicates that Adonijah welcomes Jonathan to the place where they were. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that someone is welcome. Alternate translation: “You may come here” or “Come in”
are a man of strength
Quote: אִ֥ישׁ חַ֛יִל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase a man of strength indicates that Adonijah thinks that Jonathan is reliable or trustworthy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are a trustworthy man” or “are a reliable man”
and you will bring good news
Quote: וְט֥וֹב תְּבַשֵּֽׂר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Here Adonijah uses the statement form to express what he expects from Jonathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that describes what someone expects. Alternate translation: “and I expect that you will bring good news”
1 Kings 1:43
And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַן֙ יוֹנָתָ֔ן וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לַאֲדֹנִיָּ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words answered and said express a single idea. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “And Jonathan answered Adonijah by saying” or “And Jonathan said to Adonijah”
No
Quote: אֲבָ֕ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Jonathan is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “No, I do not bring good news”
our lord
Quote: אֲדֹנֵ֥ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
By our, Jonathan means himself, Adonijah, and the rest of the Israelites, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
1 Kings 1:44
and the Kerethite and the Pelethite
Quote: וְהַכְּרֵתִ֖י וְהַפְּלֵתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the words Kerethite and Pelethite are singular in form, but they refer to all the Kerethites and Pelethites as groups. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “and the Kerethites and the Pelethites”
and the Kerethite and the Pelethite
Quote: וְהַכְּרֵתִ֖י וְהַפְּלֵתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Kerethite and Pelethite refer to two groups of people. Together, they served King David as his bodyguards. See how you translated these names in 1:38.
1 Kings 1:45
And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him as king
Quote: וַיִּמְשְׁח֣וּ אֹת֡וֹ צָד֣וֹק הַכֹּהֵ֣ן וְנָתָן֩ הַנָּבִ֨יא לְמֶ֜לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, when a person was anointed, they were being commissioned to do a specific task or fill a specific role. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning of this action more explicit. Alternate translation: “And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him to commission him as king”
at Gihon
Quote: בְּגִח֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Gihon is the name of a spring near the city of Jerusalem, on the east side. See how you translated this name in 1:33.
and they have gone up
Quote: וַיַּעֲל֤וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “and they have come up”
and the city is in an uproar
Quote: וַתֵּהֹ֖ם הַקִּרְיָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “and there is tumult in the city” or “and the city is full of loud noises”
you have heard
Quote: שְׁמַעְתֶּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
Because Jonathan is speaking to Adonijah, Joab, and the people with them, the word you here is plural.
1 Kings 1:46
Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom
Quote: יָשַׁ֣ב שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה עַ֖ל כִּסֵּ֥א הַמְּלוּכָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom to rule” or “Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom as king”
the throne of the kingdom
Quote: כִּסֵּ֥א הַמְּלוּכָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, Jonathan is using the possessive form to describe a throne that represents authority over the kingdom. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the throne for the one who rules over the kingdom”
1 Kings 1:47
came
Quote: בָּ֜אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”
to bless our lord the king David
Quote: לְ֠בָרֵךְ אֶת־אֲדֹנֵ֜ינוּ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ דָּוִד֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, people who have less power and status bless someone with more power and status. The author implies that the servants of David bless him by praising him for his decision and wishing that things will go well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to wish our lord the king David well” or “to congratulate our master the king David”
our lord
Quote: אֲדֹנֵ֜ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
By our, Jonathan means himself, Adonijah, and the rest of the Israelites, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
May God make the name of Solomon better than your name
Quote: יֵיטֵ֨ב אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶת־שֵׁ֤ם שְׁלֹמֹה֙ מִשְּׁמֶ֔ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, name represents the honor or reputation of the person whose name it is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May God make the reputation of Solomon better than your reputation” or “May God honor Solomon even more than he honored you”
and may he make his throne greater than your throne
Quote: וִֽיגַדֵּ֥ל אֶת־כִּסְא֖וֹ מִכִּסְאֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, throne represents the rule or reign of the person who sits on the throne. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and may he make his reign greater than your reign” or “and may he make him a greater ruler than you have been”
And the king prostrated himself on the bed
Quote: וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In David’s culture, when people prostrated themselves to someone else, they were honoring and respecting that person. In this case, the author implies that David was showing honor and respect to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “And the king prostrated himself on the bed to God in respect” or “And the king prostrated himself on the bed to honor God”
1 Kings 1:48
thus said the king, ‘Blessed be Yahweh the God of Israel, who has given one sitting on my throne today, and my eyes {are} seeing
Quote: כָּ֖כָה אָמַ֣ר הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ בָּר֨וּךְ יְהוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָתַ֥ן הַיּ֛וֹם יֹשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֖י וְעֵינַ֥י רֹאֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the king blessed Yahweh the God of Israel, who had given one sitting on his throne today, while his eyes were seeing”
one sitting on my throne
Quote: יֹשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסְאִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “one sitting on my throne to rule” or “one sitting on my throne as king”
and my eyes {are} seeing
Quote: וְעֵינַ֥י רֹאֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase my eyes are seeing indicates that David is still alive and can witness the event of which he speaks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I am still here to see it” or “and I am still living”
1 Kings 1:49
all the ones having been called
Quote: כָּל־הַ֨קְּרֻאִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Adonijah. Alternate translation: “all the ones whom Adonijah had called”
And … trembled
Quote: וַיֶּֽחֶרְדוּ֙ (1)Alternate translation: “And … trembled with fear”
and they went
Quote: וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “and they came”
a man to his way
Quote: אִ֥ישׁ לְדַרְכּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase a man to his way indicates that these people did not stay together but left in many different directions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “each one where he chose” or “scattering to many places”
1 Kings 1:50
And he rose and went
Quote: וַיָּ֣קָם וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Adonijah left En Rogel and went to the sacred tent of meeting. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And he left En Rogel and went to the tent of meeting”
and went
Quote: וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “and came”
and grasped the horns of the altar
Quote: וַֽיַּחֲזֵ֖ק בְּקַרְנ֥וֹת הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Adonijah’s culture, people who grasped the horns of the altar were considered to be protected by God and would not be taken away and punished unless someone could prove that they had really done something wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and grasped the horns of the altar for protection” or “and grasped the horns of the altar to keep himself safe”
1 Kings 1:51
And it was told
Quote: וַיֻּגַּ֤ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “And a person told it”
to Solomon, saying
Quote: לִשְׁלֹמֹה֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “to Solomon by someone who said”
Behold, … And behold
Quote: הִנֵּה֙ & וְ֠הִנֵּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the words Behold and behold draw the attention of the king and ask him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold and behold with words or phrases that ask someone to listen, or you could use a form that introduces something that is significant. Alternate translation: “Listen … And listen to this:” or “I want to tell you this: … Further”
the king Solomon
Quote: אֶת־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here the person speaking addresses King Solomon in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, the king Solomon”
he has grasped the horns of the altar
Quote: אָחַ֞ז בְּקַרְנ֤וֹת הַמִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated this phrase in 1:50. Alternate translation: “he has grasped the horns of the altar for protection” or “he has grasped the horns of the altar to keep himself safe”
saying, ‘Let the king Solomon swear to me as today, if he will kill his servant with the sword
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר יִשָּֽׁבַֽע־לִ֤י כַיּוֹם֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אִם־יָמִ֥ית אֶת־עַבְדּ֖וֹ בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “requesting that the king Solomon swear to him as today, if he would kill his servant with the sword.”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (2)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
If you preserve the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he has said”
Let the king Solomon swear to me as today, if he will kill his servant with the sword
Quote: יִשָּֽׁבַֽע־לִ֤י כַיּוֹם֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אִם־יָמִ֥ית אֶת־עַבְדּ֖וֹ בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here Adonijah asks Solomon to swear an oath guaranteeing that he will not kill Adonijah. He only states the condition part of the oath, but he implies that he wants Solomon to state that something bad will happen to him if he breaks the oath. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include the implied part of the oath. Alternate translation: “Let the king Solomon swear to me as today that God should punish him if he kills his servant with the sword” or “Let the king Solomon swear an oath as today that he will not kill his servant with the sword”
as today
Quote: כַיּוֹם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase as today refers to the current time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this very day” or “at this moment”
he will kill his servant with the sword
Quote: יָמִ֥ית אֶת־עַבְדּ֖וֹ בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Adonijah implies that Solomon would have one of his soldiers kill Adonijah with the sword. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he will have a soldier his servant with the sword”
his servant
Quote: אֶת־עַבְדּ֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Adonijah speaks about himself in the third person. This was one way to address someone in a respectful way. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first-person form. Alternate translation: “me, his servant,”
with the sword
Quote: בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word sword represents any sword, not one particular sword. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with a sword” or “by using a sword”
1 Kings 1:52
a son of strength
Quote: לְבֶן־חַ֔יִל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase a son of strength indicates that Adonijah might act in reliable or trustworthy ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar phrase in 1:42. Alternate translation: “a loyal man” or “a reliable man”
a hair of his will not fall to the ground
Quote: לֹֽא־יִפֹּ֥ל מִשַּׂעֲרָת֖וֹ אָ֑רְצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase a hair of his will not fall to the ground indicates that Solomon will not punish or harm Adonijah in any way, not even by pulling out a single one of his hairs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no one will punish him” or “he will not be harmed in any way”
evil is found in him
Quote: רָעָ֥ה תִמָּצֵא־ב֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be Solomon. Alternate translation: “I find evil in him”
evil is found in him
Quote: רָעָ֥ה תִמָּצֵא־ב֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of evil, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he is found to be evil”
then he will die
Quote: וָמֵֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Solomon implies that he would have one of his soldiers kill Adonijah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “then I will have a soldier kill him”
1 Kings 1:53
And the king Solomon sent
Quote: וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Solomon sent some of his attendants or soldiers to bring Adonijah back to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And the king Solomon sent soldiers to bring Adonijah”
And he came
Quote: וַיָּבֹ֕א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “And he went”
and prostrated himself to the king Solomon
Quote: וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In Solomon’s culture, when people prostrated themselves to someone else, they were honoring and respecting that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “and prostrated himself to the king Solomon in respect” or “and prostrated himself to honor the king Solomon”
1 Kings 2
1 Kings 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter has two stories: David’s last advice to Solomon and Solomon’s punishment of those who supported Adonijah and also Shimei, who had cursed David when David was fleeing from Absalom. (See: curse, cursed, cursing)
Special concepts in this chapter
Exalting oneself
Exalting oneself can lead to disaster as when Adonijah made himself king. (See: exalt, exalted, exaltation)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Euphemism
David spoke of his impending death using a euphemism: “I am going the way of all the earth.” (See: Euphemism)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Parallelism
David wanted to emphasize the importance of obeying God to his son Solomon. He used parallelism, saying the same thing seven times using different words: “Keep the commands of Yahweh your God to walk in his ways, to obey his statutes, his commandments, his decisions, and his covenant decrees, being careful to do what is written in the law of Moses.” Some languages have other ways of emphasizing an idea. (See: Parallelism)
1 Kings 2:1
And the days of David to die drew near
Quote: וַיִּקְרְב֥וּ יְמֵֽי־דָוִ֖ד לָמ֑וּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the author indicates that David was going to die very soon, and he implies that David knew it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the time of David’s death was near” or “And David knew that he was about to die”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and this is what he said:”
1 Kings 2:2
I {am} going in the way of all the earth
Quote: אָנֹכִ֣י הֹלֵ֔ךְ בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ כָּל־הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
David is referring to his own death in a polite way by using the phrase I {am} going in the way of all the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “I am going to pass away soon” or “I will soon experience death”
And you shall be strong, and you shall become a man
Quote: וְחָזַקְתָּ֖ וְהָיִ֥יתָֽ לְאִֽישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The clauses you shall be strong and you shall become a man mean similar things. David is using the two clauses together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “And you shall be very strong” or “And you shall act like a man”
And you shall be strong
Quote: וְחָזַקְתָּ֖ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks as if he wants Solomon to be physically strong. He means that he wants Solomon to be bold and brave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall have courage” or “And you shall be brave”
and you shall become a man
Quote: וְהָיִ֥יתָֽ לְאִֽישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase become a man indicates that David wants Solomon to be courageous and confident. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you shall become stouthearted” or “and you shall become confident”
1 Kings 2:3
And you shall keep the keeping of Yahweh your God
Quote: וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֞ אֶת־מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת ׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Here, keep the keeping is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “and you shall carefully fulfill your obligation to Yahweh your God”
the keeping of Yahweh your God
Quote: אֶת־מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת ׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, David is using the possessive form to describe keeping that is required by Yahweh your God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh your God requires you to keep:”
Yahweh your God
Quote: יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David emphasizes that Yahweh is Solomon’s God, but he implies that Yahweh is his God as well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, your God and mine,”
to walk in his ways
Quote: לָלֶ֤כֶת בִּדְרָכָיו֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of obeying God as if it were walking in God‘s ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to act as he desires” or “to live your life in the way that he wishes”
his statutes, his commandments and his judgments and his testimonies
Quote: חֻקֹּתָ֤יו מִצְוֺתָיו֙ וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו וְעֵדְוֺתָ֔יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms statutes, commandments, judgments, and testimonies mean similar things. David is using these four terms together to refer to every kind of command and requirement that God has given. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use one, two, or three terms that together refer to every command that God has given. Alternate translation: “his commandments and his judgments and his requirements” or “all his commandments”
his statutes, his commandments and his judgments and his testimonies
Quote: חֻקֹּתָ֤יו מִצְוֺתָיו֙ וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו וְעֵדְוֺתָ֔יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for some or all of the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what he has required, commanded, decided, and testified to”
as is written in the Law of Moses
Quote: כַּכָּת֖וּב בְּתוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject or indicate that Moses did it. Alternate translation: “as people wrote in the law of Moses”
everywhere that you turn there
Quote: כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּפְנֶ֖ה שָֽׁם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
The expression everywhere that you turn there contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “everywhere you turn”
1 Kings 2:4
Yahweh may cause his word to stand
Quote: יָקִ֨ים יְהוָ֜ה אֶת־דְּבָר֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks as if Yahweh’s word were an object that Yahweh could cause to stand. He means that Yahweh will do what he said in his word. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh may establish his word” or “Yahweh may fulfill his word”
his word
Quote: אֶת־דְּבָר֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, word represents what Yahweh said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what he said”
saying, ‘If your sons will keep their way, to walk to my face in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ saying, ‘a man for you will not be cut off from on the throne of Israel
Quote: לֵאמֹר֒ אִם־יִשְׁמְר֨וּ בָנֶ֜יךָ אֶת־דַּרְכָּ֗ם לָלֶ֤כֶת לְפָנַי֙ בֶּאֱמֶ֔ת בְּכָל־לְבָבָ֖ם וּבְכָל־נַפְשָׁ֑ם לֵאמֹ֕ר לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֤ת לְךָ֙ אִ֔ישׁ מֵעַ֖ל כִּסֵּ֥א יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that, if my sons keep their way, to walk to Yahweh’s face in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, then a man for me will not be cut off from on the throne of Israel.”
saying, ‘… saying
Quote: לֵאמֹר֒ & לֵאמֹ֕ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
If you preserve the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. David repeats the word saying to emphasize that Yahweh said these words. Consider how you might express this emphasis in your language. Alternate translation: “when he himself said … and then he added”
your sons will keep their way, to walk to my face
Quote: יִשְׁמְר֨וּ בָנֶ֜יךָ אֶת־דַּרְכָּ֗ם לָלֶ֤כֶת לְפָנַי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of obeying him as if it were keeping a way and as if it were walking before his face. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your sons will continue to obey, doing what I desire” or “your sons continue to live their lives in the ways that I wish”
your sons
Quote: בָנֶ֜יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using sons to represent David’s descendants in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your offspring” or “the people descended from you”
in truth
Quote: בֶּאֱמֶ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trust, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a trustworthy way” or “sincerely”
with all their heart and with all their soul
Quote: בְּכָל־לְבָבָ֖ם וּבְכָל־נַפְשָׁ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In David’s culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel, and the soul represents a person’s life with special focus on that person’s identity and actions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart and soul by referring to the part of the body where humans do and experience these things in your culture or by expressing the ideas plainly. Alternate translation: “in whatever they desire and in whatever they do”
their heart … their soul
Quote: לְבָבָ֖ם & נַפְשָׁ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one heart and one soul, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: “their hearts … their souls”
will not be cut off from on the throne of Israel
Quote: לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֤ת & מֵעַ֖ל כִּסֵּ֥א יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh speaks as if a king were a branch that could be cut off. He is referring to how a king could be stopped from reigning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will not be prevented from sitting on the throne of Israel”
will not be cut off from on
Quote: לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֤ת & מֵעַ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Yahweh is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning, cut off. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “will certainly continue” or “will most definitely remain on”
from on the throne of Israel
Quote: מֵעַ֖ל כִּסֵּ֥א יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, throne of Israel represents rule and authority as king over Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from reigning over Israel” or “from being king of Israel”
1 Kings 2:5
you yourself know
Quote: אַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֡עְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
David uses the word yourself to emphasize that Solomon knows what he is about say. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “as for you, you know”
Zeruiah
Quote: צְרוּיָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Zeruiah is the name of a woman. She was David’s sister.
what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, what he did to two of the commanders of
Quote: אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁר־עָ֨שָׂה לִ֜י יוֹאָ֣ב בֶּן־צְרוּיָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֣ה לִשְׁנֵֽי־שָׂרֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David could mean that: (1) Joab did bad things to David by doing bad things to the two commanders. Alternate translation: “what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me. I mean what he did to two of the commanders of” (2) Joab did bad things both to David and to the two commanders. Alternate translation: “what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me and also what he did to two of the commanders of”
Ner and to Amasa … Jether
Quote: נֵ֜ר וְלַעֲמָשָׂ֤א & יֶ֨תֶר֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Ner, Amasa, and Jether are the names of men.
And he put the bloodshed of war in peace, and he gave the bloodshed of war
Quote: וַיָּ֥שֶׂם דְּמֵֽי־מִלְחָמָ֖ה בְּשָׁלֹ֑ם וַיִּתֵּ֞ן דְּמֵ֣י מִלְחָמָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of bloodshed, war, and peace, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “And he shed blood during a peaceful time as if it were a time to fight, and when he fought, he shed blood”
And he put the bloodshed of war in peace
Quote: וַיָּ֥שֶׂם דְּמֵֽי־מִלְחָמָ֖ה בְּשָׁלֹ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks as if peace were a container into which Joab put the bloodshed of war. He could mean that Joab: (1) killed people during a time of peace as if it were a time of war. Alternate translation: “And caused bloodshed during peace as if it were war” (2) took revenge during a time of peace against people who had killed others during a war. Alternate translation: “And he took revenge during peace for bloodshed that occurred in a war”
and he gave the bloodshed of war on his belt, which {was} on his loins, and on his sandal, which {was} on his feet
Quote: וַיִּתֵּ֞ן דְּמֵ֣י מִלְחָמָ֗ה בַּחֲגֹֽרָתוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּמָתְנָ֔יו וּֽבְנַעֲל֖וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּרַגְלָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks as if bloodshed were on Joab’s belt and sandal. He could mean that: (1) Joab is always guilty for what he did, as surely as if his clothes were stained with blood. Alternate translation: “and it is as if killing people were clothing that he always wears” or “and he is always responsible for the bloodshed of war that he has caused” (2) Joab actually spilled blood on his belt and sandal when he killed Abner and Amasa. Alternate translation: “and he got the blood of the people he killed on his belt, which was on his loins, and on his sandal, which was on his feet”
and on his sandal, which {was} on his feet
Quote: וּֽבְנַעֲל֖וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּרַגְלָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the word sandal is singular in form, but it refers to both of Joab’s sandals together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “on his sandals, which were on his feet”
1 Kings 2:6
according to your wisdom
Quote: כְּחָכְמָתֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what you consider to be wise”
and you shall not let his gray hair go down in peace to Sheol
Quote: וְלֹֽא־תוֹרֵ֧ד שֵׂיבָת֛וֹ בְּשָׁלֹ֖ם שְׁאֹֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
David is referring to Joab’s death in a polite way by referring to going down to Sheol. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “and you shall not let his gray hair pass away in peace” or “and you shall not let his gray hair experience death in peace”
and you shall not let his gray hair go down
Quote: וְלֹֽא־תוֹרֵ֧ד שֵׂיבָת֛וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, gray hair represents an old person who has gray hair. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you shall not let him live till he is old and can go down” or “and you shall not let him live a long time and then go down”
in peace
Quote: בְּשָׁלֹ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a peaceful way” or “nonviolently”
1 Kings 2:7
And to the sons of
Quote: וְלִבְנֵ֨י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term sons is masculine, David is using the word in a generic sense that could include both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “And to the descendants of” or “And to the sons and daughters of”
Barzillai
Quote: בַרְזִלַּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Barzillai is the name of a man.
do covenant faithfulness
Quote: תַּֽעֲשֶׂה־חֶ֔סֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “be faithful” or “be loyal”
at your table
Quote: שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, table represents the food and drink that Solomon has and gives to others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you supply to them” or “from your own provisions”
thus they drew near to me
Quote: כֵן֙ קָרְב֣וּ אֵלַ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks as if Barzillai and his children physically came near to him. He means that they helped him by bringing him food and drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so they came to my aid” or “that is how they assisted me”
from the face of Absalom
Quote: מִפְּנֵ֖י אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, face represents the presence of the person whose face it is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from before Absalom”
1 Kings 2:8
And behold
Quote: וְהִנֵּ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the word behold draws the attention of Solomon and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen, or you could use a different form that draws someone’s attention. Alternate translation: “Now listen:” or “And pay attention”
Gera
Quote: גֵּרָ֥א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Gera is the name of a man.
from Bahurim. … to Mahanaim
Quote: מִבַּחֻרִים֒ & מַחֲנָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Bahurim and Mahanaim are the names of towns. Bahurim was near Jerusalem, probably to the northeast. Mahanaim was further northeast of Jerusalem, across the Jordan River.
And he himself cursed me with a powerful curse
Quote: וְה֤וּא קִֽלְלַ֨נִי֙ קְלָלָ֣ה נִמְרֶ֔צֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Here, cursed me with a powerful curse is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “And he himself cursed me very powerfully” or “And he himself used a forceful curse against me”
And he himself cursed me … And he himself went down
Quote: וְה֤וּא קִֽלְלַ֨נִי֙ & וְהֽוּא־יָרַ֤ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
David uses the word himself to emphasize how significant it was that Shimei was the one who did these things. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “It was he who cursed me … And it was he who went down”
on the day of my going to Mahanaim. And he himself went down to meet me at the Jordan
Quote: בְּי֖וֹם לֶכְתִּ֣י מַחֲנָ֑יִם וְהֽוּא־יָרַ֤ד לִקְרָאתִי֙ הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David is referring to how he fled from his son Absalom and went to Mahanaim, which is when Shimei cursed him (see 2 Samuel 16:5–10). Then, David refers to how he returned to Jerusalem after Absalom’s death. When he was about to cross the Jordan to go back to Jerusalem, Shimei met him and asked for forgiveness (see 2 Samuel 19:15–23). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit or include some extra information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “on of my going to Mahanaim to escape from Absalom. And he himself went down to meet me at the Jordan when I was returning to Jerusalem”
my going … And he himself went down
Quote: לֶכְתִּ֣י & וְהֽוּא־יָרַ֤ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” and “came” instead of going and went. Alternate translation: “my coming … And he himself came down”
and I swore to him by Yahweh, saying, ‘If I will kill you with the sword
Quote: וָאֶשָּׁ֨בַֽע ל֤וֹ בַֽיהוָה֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר אִם־אֲמִֽיתְךָ֖ בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here David speaks about how he swore an oath by Yahweh guaranteeing that he would not kill Shimei. He only states the condition part of the oath, but he implies that he stated that something bad would happen to him if he broke the oath. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include the implied part of the oath. Alternate translation: “and I swore before Yahweh to him, saying, ‘May God should punish me if I kill you with the sword’” or “and I solemnly promised Yahweh before him, saying, ‘I will not kill you with the sword’”
saying, ‘If I will kill you with the sword
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר אִם־אֲמִֽיתְךָ֖ בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that I would not kill him with the sword”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
If you preserve the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and I said”
I will kill you
Quote: אֲמִֽיתְךָ֖ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David implies that he would have one of his soldiers kill Shimei. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will have a soldier kill you”
with the sword
Quote: בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word sword represents any sword, not one particular sword. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with a sword” or “by using a sword”
1 Kings 2:9
For
Quote: כִּ֛י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of how Solomon should treat Shimei. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Here is what I mean:”
And you shall cause his gray hair to go down with blood to Sheol
Quote: וְהוֹרַדְתָּ֧ אֶת־שֵׂיבָת֛וֹ בְּדָ֖ם שְׁאֽוֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
David is referring to Shimei’s death in a polite way by referring to going down to Sheol. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall cause his gray hair to pass away with blood” or “And you shall cause his gray hair to experience death with blood”
And you shall cause his gray hair to go down
Quote: וְהוֹרַדְתָּ֧ אֶת־שֵׂיבָת֛וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, gray hair represents an old person who has gray hair. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall cause him, when he is old, to go down” or “And you shall cause that old man to go down”
with blood
Quote: בְּדָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, blood represents violence, specifically a violent death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in a violent way” or “by execution”
1 Kings 2:10
And David lay down with his fathers
Quote: וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב דָּוִ֖ד עִם־אֲבֹתָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The author is referring to David’s death in a polite way by using the phrase lay down with his fathers, which refers to being buried near one’s ancestors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “And David passed away” or “And David completed his life”
and he was buried
Quote: וַיִּקָּבֵ֖ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “and they buried him”
in the city of David
Quote: בְּעִ֥יר דָּוִֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase the city of David refers to a specific area within the southeastern part of the city of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in Jerusalem, in the section called the city of David”
1 Kings 2:11
And the days that David reigned over Israel {were} 40 years. In Hebron he reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem he reigned 33 years
Quote: וְהַיָּמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָלַ֤ךְ דָּוִד֙ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַרְבָּעִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה בְּחֶבְר֤וֹן מָלַךְ֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים וּבִירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם מָלַ֔ךְ שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וְשָׁלֹ֖שׁ שָׁנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language, you could give the smaller numbers first and then state the total. Alternate translation: “David reigned in Hebron seven years, and he reigned in Jerusalem 33 years. So, all the days that David reigned over Israel {were} 40 years”
And the days that David reigned over Israel {were} 40 years
Quote: וְהַיָּמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָלַ֤ךְ דָּוִד֙ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַרְבָּעִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the word days refers to any period of time, not just to a period of a few days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the length of time that David reigned over Israel was 40 years” or “And David reigned over Israel for 40 years”
1 Kings 2:12
sat on the throne of David his father
Quote: יָשַׁ֕ב עַל־כִּסֵּ֖א דָּוִ֣ד אָבִ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “sat on the throne to rule after David his father” or “sat on the throne of David his father as king”
and his kingdom was very established
Quote: וַתִּכֹּ֥ן מַלְכֻת֖וֹ מְאֹֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate: (1) that it was God. Alternate translation: “and God established his kingdom very much” (2) that it was Solomon himself. Alternate translation: “and Solomon established his kingdom very much”
1 Kings 2:13
Haggith
Quote: חַגֵּ֗ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Haggith is the name of a woman. She was one of David’s wives.
And Adonijah the son of Haggith came
Quote: וַיָּבֹ֞א אֲדֹנִיָּ֣הוּ בֶן־חַגֵּ֗ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “And Adonijah the son of Haggith went”
Is} your coming peace?” … It is} peace
Quote: הֲשָׁל֣וֹם בֹּאֶ֑ךָ & שָׁלֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Is your coming peaceful … It is peaceful” or “Are you coming peacefully … I am coming peacefully”
1 Kings 2:14
A word {is} for me to you
Quote: דָּבָ֥ר לִ֖י אֵלָ֑יִךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, word represents something that Adonijah wants to say using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “There is something that I want to say to you” or “I have a matter that I wish to speak to you about”
1 Kings 2:15
You yourself know
Quote: אַ֤תְּ יָדַ֨עַתְּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
Adonijah uses the word yourself to emphasize that Bathsheba knows what he is about to say. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “As for you, you know”
and all Israel had set their faces on me to reign
Quote: וְעָלַ֞י שָׂ֧מוּ כָֽל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל פְּנֵיהֶ֖ם לִמְלֹ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Adonijah speaks as if all Israel had turned their faces toward him, expecting and even wanting him to reign. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and all Israel was expecting me to reign” or “and all Israel assumed that I would reign”
all Israel
Quote: כָֽל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Adonijah says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “the majority of Israel”
But the kingdom turned around and was for my brother
Quote: וַתִּסֹּ֤ב הַמְּלוּכָה֙ וַתְּהִ֣י לְאָחִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here, Adonijah speaks of the kingship as if it were a person who could have turned around and been for his brother. He means that the situation changed, and Solomon was the one who received the kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But the situation changed, and the kingdom was for my brother” or “But, despite what I expected, the kingdom was for my brother”
from Yahweh it was for him
Quote: מֵיְהוָ֖ה הָ֥יְתָה לּֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave it to him” or “Yahweh designated it for him”
1 Kings 2:16
I {am} requesting one request from with you
Quote: שְׁאֵלָ֤ה אַחַת֙ אָֽנֹכִי֙ שֹׁאֵ֣ל מֵֽאִתָּ֔ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Here, requesting one request is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I am making one request of you”
do not turn back my face
Quote: אַל־תָּשִׁ֖בִי אֶת־פָּנָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Adonijah speaks as if Bathsheba might physically turn back his face. He means that she might reject his request and shame him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not shame me by rejecting me” or “do not say no to what I request”
1 Kings 2:17
Please speak to Solomon the king, for he will not turn back your face
Quote: אִמְרִי־נָא֙ לִשְׁלֹמֹ֣ה הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ כִּ֥י לֹֽא־יָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־פָּנָ֑יִךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Solomon the king will not turn back your face, so please speak to him”
he will not turn back your face
Quote: לֹֽא־יָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־פָּנָ֑יִךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Adonijah speaks as if he is confident that Solomon will not physically turn back Bathsheba’s face. He means that he is sure that Solomon will not reject her request nor shame her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will not shame you by rejecting you” or “he will not say no to what you request”
Abishag
Quote: אֲבִישַׁ֥ג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Abishag is the name of a woman.
the Shunammite
Quote: הַשּׁוּנַמִּ֖ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Shunammite refers to someone who is from the town of Shunem, which was in the hill country to the southwest of the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer more directly to the town of Shunem. See how you translated this word in 1:3. Alternate translation: “from Shunem”
1 Kings 2:18
Good
Quote: ט֑וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the word Good indicates that Bathsheba agrees that Adonijah’s request is appropriate and that she will ask the king about it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Okay” or “I think that is appropriate;”
I myself will speak
Quote: אָנֹכִ֕י אֲדַבֵּ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
Bathsheba uses the word myself to emphasize that she is the one who speak to the king. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I am the one who will speak”
1 Kings 2:19
And Bathsheba came
Quote: וַתָּבֹ֤א בַת־שֶׁ֨בַע֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “And Bathsheba went”
and he prostrated himself to her
Quote: וַיִּשְׁתַּ֣חוּ לָ֗הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In Bathsheba’s culture, when people prostrated themselves to someone else, they were honoring and respecting that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “and he prostrated himself to her in respect” or “and he prostrated himself to honor her”
And he set a throne
Quote: וַיָּ֤שֶׂם כִּסֵּא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Solomon told some of his servants or attendants to set the throne at his right side. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And he told his servants to set a throne”
for the mother of the king
Quote: לְאֵ֣ם הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author assumes that his readers will know that the mother of the king is Bathsheba. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for Bathsheba, the mother of the king”
to his right hand
Quote: לִֽימִינֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the phrases to his right hand refers to the place next to Solomon’s right hand, which would be the right side. In the Bathsheba’s culture, this side were associated with honor or authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the “right side.” Be sure that your readers understand that this side indicates that Bathsheba has honor and authority when she sits there. Alternate translation: “on the side to his right” or “in the honorable place at his right side”
1 Kings 2:20
One small request I am requesting from with you
Quote: שְׁאֵלָ֨ה אַחַ֤ת קְטַנָּה֙ אָֽנֹכִי֙ שֹׁאֶ֣לֶת מֵֽאִתָּ֔ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Here, One small request I am requesting is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. See how you translated the similar form in 2:16. Alternate translation: “I am making one small request of you”
do not turn back my face.” … I will not turn back your face
Quote: אַל־תָּ֖שֶׁב אֶת־פָּנָ֑י & לֹֽא־אָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־פָּנָֽיִךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Bathsheba and Solomon speaks as if Solomon could physically turn back Bathsheba’s face. They mean Solomon could choose to reject her request and shame her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar figure of speech in 2:16. Alternate translation: “do not shame me by rejecting me … I will not shame you by rejecting you” or “do not say no to what I request … I will not say no to what you request”
Request, my mother, for I will not turn back your face
Quote: שַׁאֲלִ֣י אִמִּ֔י כִּ֥י לֹֽא־אָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־פָּנָֽיִךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “I will not turn back your face, so request, my mother”
1 Kings 2:21
Let Abishag the Shunammite be given
Quote: יֻתַּ֖ן אֶת־אֲבִישַׁ֣ג הַשֻּׁנַמִּ֑ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be Solomon. Alternate translation: “Give Abishag the Shunammite”
Abishag the Shunammite
Quote: אֶת־אֲבִישַׁ֣ג הַשֻּׁנַמִּ֑ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The phrase Abishag the Shunammite is the name of a woman who was from the town of Shunem. See how you translated this phrase in 2:17.
1 Kings 2:22
And the king Solomon answered and said to his mother
Quote: וַיַּעַן֩ הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאִמּ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words answered and said express a single idea. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “And the king Solomon answered by saying to his mother” or “And the king Solomon responded to his mother”
And why {are} you requesting Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah
Quote: וְלָמָה֩ אַ֨תְּ שֹׁאֶ֜לֶת אֶת־אֲבִישַׁ֤ג הַשֻּׁנַמִּית֙ לַאֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Solomon is using the question form to rebuke Bathsheba. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am not pleased that you are requesting Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah.” or “No longer request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah!”
Abishag the Shunammite
Quote: אֶת־אֲבִישַׁ֤ג הַשֻּׁנַמִּית֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The phrase Abishag the Shunammite is the name of a woman who was from the town of Shunem. See how you translated this phrase in 2:17.
Then request for him the kingdom, for he is my brother, older than I, and for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab the son of Zeruiah
Quote: וְשַֽׁאֲלִי־לוֹ֙ אֶת־הַמְּלוּכָ֔ה כִּ֛י ה֥וּא אָחִ֖י הַגָּד֣וֹל מִמֶּ֑נִּי וְלוֹ֙ וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וּלְיוֹאָ֖ב בֶּן־צְרוּיָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes, and the third clause gives more information about what the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Then, since he is my brother, older than I, request for him the kingship, for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab the son of Zeruiah”
Then request for him the kingdom
Quote: וְשַֽׁאֲלִי־לוֹ֙ אֶת־הַמְּלוּכָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Here Solomon commands the opposite of what he wants in order to make a point. He means that asking him to allow Adonijah to marry Abishag is like asking him to give the kingdom to Adonijah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are really requesting for him the kingdom” or “You might as well request for him the kingdom”
he is my brother, older than I
Quote: ה֥וּא אָחִ֖י הַגָּד֣וֹל מִמֶּ֑נִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Solomon’s culture, the oldest son of a king was usually the son who became the next king. Solomon is implying that Adonijah is already older than him, so if he married one of David’s closest attendants, he would have an even stronger claim to be the real king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he already has a claim to be king because he is my brother, older than I” or “marrying Abishag would make it even easier for him, as my older brother, to become king”
Zeruiah
Quote: צְרוּיָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Zeruiah is the name of a woman. She was David’s sister.
1 Kings 2:23
And the king Solomon swore by Yahweh
Quote: וַיִּשָּׁבַע֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה בַּֽיהוָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here Solomon swears an oath by Yahweh. Use a natural way in your language to introduce an oath. Alternate translation: “And the king Solomon swore before Yahweh” or “And the king Solomon solemnly promised Yahweh”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”
Thus may God do to me, and thus may he add, that by his life Adonijah has spoken this word
Quote: כֹּ֣ה יַֽעֲשֶׂה־לִּ֤י אֱלֹהִים֙ וְכֹ֣ה יוֹסִ֔יף כִּ֣י בְנַפְשׁ֔וֹ דִּבֶּר֙ אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here Solomon asks God to do bad things to him, and to add even more bad things, if what he is about to say is not true. He only states what is true about Adonijah, but he implies that the oath will apply if what he says is not true. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include the implied part of the oath. Alternate translation: “Thus may God do evil to me, and thus may he add even more evil, if it is not true that by his life Adonijah has spoken this word” or “May God cause very many bad things to happen to me unless by his life Adonijah has spoken this word”
by his life Adonijah has spoken this word
Quote: בְנַפְשׁ֔וֹ דִּבֶּר֙ אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase by his life could indicate that: (1) Adonijah risked his life by asking to marry Abishag. Alternate translation: “Adonijah has risked his life by speaking this word” (2) Adonijah would die for asking to marry Abishag. Alternate translation: “Adonijah will die for speaking this word”
by his life
Quote: בְנַפְשׁ֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by how he lives”
this word
Quote: אֶת־הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, word represents what Adonijah asked using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this request”
1 Kings 2:24
as} Yahweh {is} alive
Quote: חַי־יְהוָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Here Solomon makes an oath that he will do what he promises at the end of this verse. He is indicating that people can rely on his promise as much as they can rely on the fact that Yahweh is alive. Use a natural way in your language to express this kind of oath. Alternate translation: “as certainly as Yahweh is alive” or “you can be as confident about this as you are that Yahweh is alive”
and caused me to sit on the throne of David my father
Quote: וַיּֽוֹשִׁיבַ֙נִי֙ עַל־כִּסֵּא֙ דָּוִ֣ד אָבִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
When a person sits on a throne, it indicates that the person has power and rules as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. See how you expressed the idea in 1:13. Alternate translation: “and caused me to sit on the throne to rule after David my father” or “and caused me to sit on the throne of David my father as king”
has made for me a house
Quote: עָֽשָׂה־לִ֛י בַּ֖יִת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, house represents represents Solomon’s descendants, who will reign as kings after him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “has made for me a dynasty” or “has caused my offspring to be kings after me”
that
Quote: כִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I declare that” or “I swear that”
Adonijah will be killed
Quote: יוּמַ֖ת אֲדֹנִיָּֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that Solomon would command his servants or soldiers to do it. Alternate translation: “I will tell my soldiers to kill Adonijah”
1 Kings 2:25
And the king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada
Quote: וַיִּשְׁלַח֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה בְּיַ֖ד בְּנָיָ֣הוּ בֶן־יְהוֹיָדָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents what a person does. In this case, Solomon sent Benaiah to act for him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the king Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada to act for him” or “And the king Solomon told Benaiah the son of Jehoiada what to do”
and he died
Quote: וַיָּמֹֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Here, the word and introduces what happened as a result of Benaiah attacking Adonijah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “so that he died” or “and as a result, he died”
1 Kings 2:26
Go to Anathoth, to your fields, for you {are} a man of death
Quote: עֲנָתֹת֙ לֵ֣ךְ עַל־שָׂדֶ֔יךָ כִּ֛י אִ֥ישׁ מָ֖וֶת אָ֑תָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the command that the first clause gives. Alternate translation: “Because you are a man of death, go to Anathoth, to your fields”
Go
Quote: לֵ֣ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “Come” instead of Go. Alternate translation: “Come”
to Anathoth
Quote: עֲנָתֹת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Anathoth is the name of a town close to Jerusalem, to the northeast.
are} a man of death
Quote: אִ֥ישׁ מָ֖וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, Solomon is using the possessive form to describe a man who deserves death. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “are a man who deserves death”
are} a man of death
Quote: אִ֥ישׁ מָ֖וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “are a man who should die”
but on this day I will not kill you, because you lifted the Box of the Lord Yahweh to the face of David my father, and because you were afflicted with all that my father was afflicted
Quote: וּבַיּ֨וֹם הַזֶּ֜ה לֹ֣א אֲמִיתֶ֗ךָ כִּֽי־נָשָׂ֜אתָ אֶת־אֲר֨וֹן אֲדֹנָ֤י יְהֹוִה֙ לִפְנֵי֙ דָּוִ֣ד אָבִ֔י וְכִ֣י הִתְעַנִּ֔יתָ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶֽׁר־הִתְעַנָּ֖ה אָבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second and third clauses give reasons for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “but because you lifted the box of the Lord Yahweh to the face of David my father, and because you were afflicted with all that my father was afflicted, on this day I will not kill you”
I will not kill you
Quote: לֹ֣א אֲמִיתֶ֗ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Solomon implies that he will not have one of his soldiers kill Abiathar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will not have a soldier kill you”
you lifted the Box of the Lord Yahweh to the face of David my father
Quote: נָשָׂ֜אתָ אֶת־אֲר֨וֹן אֲדֹנָ֤י יְהֹוִה֙ לִפְנֵי֙ דָּוִ֣ד אָבִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Solomon means that Abiathar was the leading priest for David, and he was responsible for the box of the Lord Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you were the priest who was responsible for the box of the Lord Yahweh for David my father”
you were afflicted with all that my father was afflicted
Quote: הִתְעַנִּ֔יתָ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶֽׁר־הִתְעַנָּ֖ה אָבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “you experienced all the affliction that my father experienced” or “people afflicted you with all that they afflicted my father with”
1 Kings 2:27
to fulfill the word of Yahweh
Quote: לְמַלֵּא֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here, the phrase to fulfill introduces a result from Solomon’s action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “so that the word of Yahweh was fulfilled” or “with the result that the word of Yahweh was fulfilled”
the word of Yahweh
Quote: אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, word represents what Yahweh said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message from Yahweh” or “what Yahweh had declared”
concerning the house of Eli at Shiloh
Quote: עַל־בֵּ֥ית עֵלִ֖י בְּשִׁלֹֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author assumes that his audience will know that Abiathar was a descendant of Eli, who was a priest many years before Solomon was born. The author is referring to how God sent a prophet to Eli to tell him that his descendants would someday no longer be priests. You can read what the prophet said in 1 Samuel 2:27–36. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of this information more explicit, or you could include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “at Shiloh about how there would no longer be priests from the house of Eli, from whom Abiathar was descended”
the house of Eli
Quote: בֵּ֥ית עֵלִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, house represents the family and descendants of Eli. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the offspring of Eli” or “Eli’s family”
1 Kings 2:28
And the report came as far as Joab, for Joab had turned aside after Adonijah, but he had not turned aside after Absalom. And Joab fled to the tent of Yahweh and he grasped the horns of the altar
Quote: וְהַשְּׁמֻעָה֙ בָּ֣אָה עַד־יוֹאָ֔ב כִּ֣י יוֹאָ֗ב נָטָה֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י אֲדֹנִיָּ֔ה וְאַחֲרֵ֥י אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם לֹ֣א נָטָ֑ה וַיָּ֤נָס יוֹאָב֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל יְהוָ֔ה וַֽיַּחֲזֵ֖ק בְּקַרְנ֥וֹת הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here, the statement for Joab had turned aside after Adonijah, but he had not turned aside after Absalom could indicate the reason: (1) why Joab behaved as he did when he heard the report. Alternate translation: “And the report came as far as Joab. Then, because Joab had turned aside after Adonijah, but he had not turned aside after Absalom, Joab fled to the tent of Yahweh and he grasped the horns of the altar” (2) why gave the report to Joab. Alternate translation: “And, because Joab had turned aside after Adonijah, but he had not turned aside after Absalom, the report came as far as Joab. And Joab fled to the tent of Yahweh and he grasped the horns of the altar”
And the report came as far as Joab
Quote: וְהַשְּׁמֻעָה֙ בָּ֣אָה עַד־יוֹאָ֔ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here, the author speaks of the report as if it were a person who could come as far as Joab. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the report was heard by Joab” or “And Joab heard the report”
Joab had turned aside after Adonijah, but he had not turned aside after Absalom
Quote: יוֹאָ֗ב נָטָה֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י אֲדֹנִיָּ֔ה וְאַחֲרֵ֥י אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם לֹ֣א נָטָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author speaks of supporting and serving someone as king as if it were turning aside after that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Joab had followed Adonijah, but he had not followed Absalom” or “Joab had served Adonijah, but he had not served Absalom”
and he grasped the horns of the altar
Quote: וַֽיַּחֲזֵ֖ק בְּקַרְנ֥וֹת הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Joab’s culture, people who grasped the horns of the altar were considered to be protected by God and would not be taken away and punished unless someone could prove that they had really done something wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar clause in 1:50. Alternate translation: “and he grasped the horns of the altar for protection” or “and he grasped the horns of the altar to keep himself safe”
1 Kings 2:29
And it was told to the king
Quote: וַיֻּגַּ֞ד לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “And a person told the king”
Solomon that Joab had fled to the tent of Yahweh, and behold, {he was} beside the altar
Quote: שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה כִּ֣י נָ֤ס יוֹאָב֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל יְהוָ֔ה וְהִנֵּ֖ה אֵ֣צֶל הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “Solomon, ‘Joab has fled to teh tent of Yahweh, and behold, he is beside the altar.’”
and behold, {he was} beside the altar. And Solomon sent
Quote: וְהִנֵּ֖ה אֵ֣צֶל הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Some translations include some additional material about what happened between when Solomon learned where Joab had fled and when he commanded Benaiah to attack Joab. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, and if it includes this additional material, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
and behold
Quote: וְהִנֵּ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the word behold draws the attention of the king and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen, or you could use a different form that draws a person’s attention. Alternate translation: “and picture this” or “and listen”
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, attack him
Quote: אֶת־בְּנָיָ֧הוּ בֶן־יְהוֹיָדָ֛ע לֵאמֹ֖ר לֵ֥ךְ פְּגַע־בּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada to go and attack him”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֖ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
If you preserve the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he told him”
Go
Quote: לֵ֥ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “Come” instead of Go. Alternate translation: “Come”
1 Kings 2:30
And Benaiah went
Quote: וַיָּבֹ֨א בְנָיָ֜הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “And Benaiah came”
Thus says the king, ‘Come out
Quote: כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ צֵ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The king says that you must come out!”
Come out
Quote: צֵ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “Go” instead of Come. Alternate translation: “Go out”
No, for here I will die
Quote: לֹ֖א כִּ֣י פֹ֣ה אָמ֑וּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Here I will die, so no”
And Benaiah brought back word
Quote: וַיָּ֨שֶׁב בְּנָיָ֤הוּ & דָּבָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, word represents what Benaiah said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Benaiah brought back a message” or “And Benaiah sent back a message”
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”
Thus Joab has spoken, and thus he answered me
Quote: כֹּֽה־דִבֶּ֥ר יוֹאָ֖ב וְכֹ֥ה עָנָֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms Thus Joab has spoken and thus he answered me mean similar things. Benaiah is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Thus Joab answered me”
Thus Joab has spoken, and thus he answered me
Quote: כֹּֽה־דִבֶּ֥ר יוֹאָ֖ב וְכֹ֥ה עָנָֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the words Thus and thus refer to what Joab said without repeating all the words he said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Joab has spoken these words, and with these words he answered me” or “Joab told me that he would not come out and that he would die there”
1 Kings 2:31
and you will remove from on me and from on the house of my father the bloodshed without cause that Joab poured out
Quote: וַהֲסִירֹ֣תָ ׀ דְּמֵ֣י חִנָּ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ שָׁפַ֣ךְ יוֹאָ֔ב מֵעָלַ֕י וּמֵעַ֖ל בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Solomon speaks as if the bloodshed that Joab committed were a liquid that he had poured out on Solomon and the house of his father David, and he speaks as if killing Joab will remove this liquid from them. He means that the bloodshed that Joab committed causes Solomon and the house of his father David to be guilty, and that killing Joab will cause them no longer to be guilty. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you will cleanse me and the house of my father from the bloodshed without cause with which Joab stained us” or “and you will take away from me and from the house of my father the guilt of the bloodshed without cause that Joab caused”
and you will remove
Quote: וַהֲסִירֹ֣תָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Here, the word and introduces what will happen as a result of Benaiah killing and burying Joab. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “so that you will remove” or “and so you will remove”
the house of my father
Quote: בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, house represents David’s family and descendants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the relatives of my father” or “the descendants of my father”
the bloodshed without cause
Quote: דְּמֵ֣י חִנָּ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase without cause indicates that the people Joab killed did not deserve to die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the bloodshed of innocent people” or “the unjust bloodshed”
1 Kings 2:32
And Yahweh will return his blood on his head
Quote: וְהֵשִׁיב֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֶת־דָּמ֜וֹ עַל־רֹאשׁ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Solomon speaks as if Yahweh will take the blood that Joab shed when he murdered people and return that blood onto Joab’s head. He means that Yahweh will punish Joab in a way that fits with the murders he committed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh will repay him for the blood that he has shed” or “And Yahweh will punish him for the murders he committed”
And Yahweh will return
Quote: וְהֵשִׁיב֩ יְהוָ֨ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Here, the word and introduces a second thing that will happen as a result of Benaiah killing and burying Joab (see 2:32). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “That way, Yahweh will return” or “When you do that, Yahweh will return”
who
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here, the word who introduces the reason why Yahweh will punish Joab. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “because” or “since”
righteous and better
Quote: צַדִּקִ֨ים וְטֹבִ֤ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms righteous and better mean similar things. Solomon is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “better” or “much more righteous”
with the sword
Quote: בַּחֶ֔רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word sword represents any sword, not one particular sword. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with a sword” or “by using a sword”
and my father David did not know
Quote: וְאָבִ֥י דָוִ֖ד לֹ֣א יָדָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Solomon implies that David did not know what Joab was planning and did not approve of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and my father David did not realize what Joab was going to do” or “and my father David neither knew nor approved of it”
the son of Ner, … and Amasa … Jether
Quote: בֶּן־נֵר֙ & וְאֶת־עֲמָשָׂ֥א & יֶ֖תֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Ner, Amasa, and Jether are the names of men.
1 Kings 2:33
And their shed blood will return on the head of Joab and on the head of his seed to eternity
Quote: וְשָׁ֤בוּ דְמֵיהֶם֙ בְּרֹ֣אשׁ יוֹאָ֔ב וּבְרֹ֥אשׁ זַרְע֖וֹ לְעֹלָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Solomon speaks as if the shed blood of Amasa and Abner could return on the head of Joab and on the head of his seed. He means that Joab and his seed will be punished in a way that fits with the murders that Joab committed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar figure of speech in 2:32. Alternate translation: “And Joab and his seed will be repayed to eternity for their blood that Joab shed” or “And Joab and his seed will punished to eternity for these murders that he committed”
And their shed blood will return … will be
Quote: וְשָׁ֤בוּ דְמֵיהֶם֙ & יִהְיֶ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Solomon could be using the statement form: (1) to state a fact or prediction. Alternate translation: “And their shed blood shall return … shall be” (2) to indicate what he hopes or prays that God will do. Alternate translation: “And may their shed blood return … may there be”
his seed … and for his seed
Quote: זַרְע֖וֹ & וּ֠לְזַרְעוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase his seed refers to a person’s descendants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his offspring … and for his offspring” or “the people descended from him … and for the people descended from him”
and for his seed and for his house and for his throne
Quote: וּ֠לְזַרְעוֹ וּלְבֵית֨וֹ וּלְכִסְא֜וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms his seed, his house, and his throne mean similar things. They all refer to David’s family and descendants, focusing especially on those who will rule as kings. Solomon is using the three terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with just one or two terms. Alternate translation: “and for his seed and for his throne” or “and for his offspring”
to eternity. … until eternity
Quote: לְעֹלָ֑ם & עַד־עוֹלָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of eternity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “eternally … eternally”
and for his house
Quote: וּלְבֵית֨וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, house represents David’s family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for his relatives”
and for his throne
Quote: וּלְכִסְא֜וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, throne represents the rule of David’s descendants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for his dynasty” or “and for the kings in his lineage”
will be peace
Quote: יִהְיֶ֥ה שָׁל֛וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “it will be peaceful”
1 Kings 2:34
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up
Quote: וַיַּ֗עַל בְּנָיָ֨הוּ֙ בֶּן־יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada came up”
and he was buried
Quote: וַיִּקָּבֵ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “and they buried him”
in his house
Quote: בְּבֵית֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, house represents Joab’s property or land in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on his land” or “on his own property”
1 Kings 2:35
And the king gave Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his place over the army. And Zadok the priest the king gave in place of Abiathar
Quote: וַיִּתֵּ֨ן הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ אֶת־בְּנָיָ֧הוּ בֶן־יְהוֹיָדָ֛ע תַּחְתָּ֖יו עַל־הַצָּבָ֑א וְאֶת־צָד֤וֹק הַכֹּהֵן֙ נָתַ֣ן הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ תַּ֖חַת אֶבְיָתָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
When King Solomon gave Benaiah and Zadok in the place of Joab and Abiathar, it means that he appointed Benaiah and Zadok to do the tasks that Joab and Abiathar had done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the king told Benaiah the son of Jehoiada to take his place over the army. And Zadok the priest the king told to take the place of Abiathar” or “And the king had Benaiah the son of Jehoiada be over the army instead of him. And Zadok the king had be the priest instead of Abiathar”
1 Kings 2:36
And the king sent and called for Shimei
Quote: וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וַיִּקְרָ֣א לְשִׁמְעִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the author implies that Solomon sent a messenger or soldier to Shimei in order to summon him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And the king sent a soldier to Shimei, who called him” or “And the king had some soldiers go to Shimei and tell him to come to the king”
here or there
Quote: אָ֥נֶה וָאָֽנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase here or there refers to any place besides Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to any other place”
1 Kings 2:37
on the day
Quote: בְּי֣וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word day represents any day, not one particular day that Solomon already knows about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on any day”
when you go out
Quote: צֵאתְךָ֗ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “when you come out”
and you pass over the wadi of Kidron
Quote: וְעָֽבַרְתָּ֙ אֶת־נַ֣חַל קִדְר֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Solomon refers to one way of leaving Jerusalem (passing over the wadi of Kidron, which is on the east side of Jerusalem) to refer to any way of leaving Jerusalem. Solomon refers to this way of leaving Jerusalem because he thinks it is the one that Shimei is most likely to use. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and you pass over the wadi of Kidron or leave Jerusalem by any other way”
the wadi of Kidron
Quote: אֶת־נַ֣חַל קִדְר֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The phrase the wadi of Kidron refers to small valley that sometimes had a stream running through it. This specific wadi was on the eastern side of Jerusalem.
knowing, you will know that dying, you will die
Quote: יָדֹ֥עַ תֵּדַ֖ע כִּ֣י מ֣וֹת תָּמ֑וּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Solomon is repeating the verbs know and die in order to intensify the ideas that they express. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you will surely know that you will surely die”
dying, you will die
Quote: מ֣וֹת תָּמ֑וּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Solomon implies that he would have one of his soldiers kill Shimei. Solomon does not mean that Shimei would die naturally. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will have a soldier kill you”
Your blood will be on your head
Quote: דָּמְךָ֖ יִהְיֶ֥ה בְרֹאשֶֽׁךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Solomon speaks as if Shimei’s blood would be poured on his own head. He means that Shimei will be responsible for his own death, and Solomon will not be guilty for having him executed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Your death will be your fault” or “When you die, you will be the one who caused it to happen”
1 Kings 2:38
The word
Quote: הַדָּבָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, word represents what King Solomon said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What you have said”
my lord the king has spoken
Quote: דִּבֶּר֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Shimei addresses King Solomon in the third person as a sign of respect. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second-person form and indicate the respect in another way. Alternate translation: “you, my lord the king, have spoken”
your servant
Quote: עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Shimei speaks about himself in the third person. This was one way to address someone in a respectful way. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “I, your servant,”
many days
Quote: יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the phrase many days refers to a long period of time. The following verse indicates that it was about three years. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for several years” or “for a long period of time”
1 Kings 2:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Achish … Maacah … Gath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
men’s names
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a Philistine city
1 Kings 2:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shimei arose (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. “Shimei quickly”
1 Kings 2:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon was told (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone told Solomon”
1 Kings 2:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Did I not make you swear … saying, ‘Know … die’? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Solomon is reminding Shimei of what Shimei had promised. Alternate translation: “You know very well that I made you swear … saying, ‘Know … die’!”
1 Kings 2:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why then have you not kept your oath … you? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This could mean: (1) Solomon is asking for an answer or (2) Alternate translation: “You have done wrong by breaking your oath … you.”
1 Kings 2:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will return your wickedness on your own head (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the head represents the person, and wickedness is spoken of as if it were a solid or liquid that could be put on a person’s head. Alternate translation: “will hold you responsible for all your wickedness”
1 Kings 2:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the throne of David will be established before Yahweh forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne of David” represents the authority and rule of David and all his descendants forever.
1 Kings 2:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Solomon’s hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This use of “hand” represents Solomon’s power and authority.
1 Kings 3
1 Kings 3 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter has two stories. Verses 1–15 is the story of Solomon’s dream when God asked him what he wanted and he said he needed wisdom to be a good and fair ruler. Verses 16–28 is the story of a court case showing Solomon’s wisdom. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Wisdom
God was very pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom. This is because wisdom was something that he could use to serve other people instead of himself. Because this was a noble request, God promised Solomon wisdom, wealth, and fame. (See: promise, promised)
Putting the needs of others first
There are two additional examples of people putting the needs of others in front of their own needs. God is pleased with people wanting to do their job well more than wanting to be blessed. A mother will put the life of her child above every other concern. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)
1 Kings 3:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon allied himself by marriage with Pharaoh king of Egypt (1)Solomon became the son-in-law of Pharaoh king of Egypt so the two kings would work together and fight together against their enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until he had finished building (1)She was still in the city of David after he had finished building.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the temple”
1 Kings 3:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no house had yet been built (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one had yet built a house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for the name” refers to worshiping the person. Alternate translation: “in which people would worship Yahweh”
1 Kings 3:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walking in the statutes of David his father (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
How one lives one’s life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: “obeying the laws that David his father had made”
1 Kings 3:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the great high place (1)Alternate translation: “the most famous place for makings sacrifices” or “the most important altar”
1 Kings 3:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ask! What should I give you? (1)Alternate translation: “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” or “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you.”
1 Kings 3:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have shown great covenant faithfulness to your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “You have been very faithful to your covenant with your servant” or “You have greatly and faithfully loved your servant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because he walked before you in trustworthiness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking is a metaphor for the way one lives. The abstract nouns “trustworthiness,” “righteousness,” and “uprightness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because he was trustworthy and righteous, and his heart was upright” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in uprightness of heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A sincere person is spoken of as one whose heart is upright. Alternate translation: “he was sincere” or “he spoke the truth and did what was good”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have given him a son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The “son” is Solomon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to sit on his throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: “to rule in his place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: today (1)Solomon is speaking of the years he had already been ruling, not of the time since the sun had last set.
1 Kings 3:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Solomon speaks as if he is another person to show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am only a little child (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Solomon is saying that he is like a child who does not know as much as a father.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I do not know how to go out or come in (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means Solomon does not know how to govern as king. Alternate translation: “I do not know how to be the king” or “I do not know the right way to do things as king”
1 Kings 3:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For who is able to judge this great people of yours? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Solomon asks a question to emphasize that he knows that no one can judge. Alternate translation: “No one is able to judge this great people of yours.”
1 Kings 3:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the life of your enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “life” is a metonym for the power to kill. Alternate translation: “the power to kill your enemies”
1 Kings 3:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: now I will do all you asked of me when you gave me your request (1)Alternate translation: “I will do what you asked me to do when you spoke with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I give you a wise and an understanding heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The heart is a metonym for what a person thinks and desires. Alternate translation: “I make you able to be wise and to understand many things”
1 Kings 3:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk in my ways to keep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Living one’s life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: “live as I want you to live and obey”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lengthen your days (1)Alternate translation: “make you live a long time”
1 Kings 3:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (1)The word “behold” here shows that Solomon saw something interesting.
1 Kings 3:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lay on him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to state that this caused the baby to die. Alternate translation: “accidentally rolled on top of her baby and smothered him”
1 Kings 3:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The woman speaks as if she were speaking of someone else to show that she respects Solomon. Alternate translation: “I”
1 Kings 3:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nurse my child (1)This means to feed her baby milk from her breast.
1 Kings 3:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before the king (1)Alternate translation: “before Solomon” or “while Solomon could see and hear them”
1 Kings 3:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her heart was full of compassion for her son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the woman having a lot of compassion as if her heart were a container and compassion were a solid object. Alternate translation: “she greatly loved her baby”
1 Kings 3:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization.
1 Kings 4
1 Kings 4 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter names the important people in Solomon’s government and shows the extent of his kingdom.
1 Kings 4:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Azariah … Zadok (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
1 Kings 4:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elihoreph … Ahijah … Shisha … Jehoshaphat … Ahilud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
1 Kings 4:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benaiah … Jehoiada … Zadok … Abiathar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
1 Kings 4:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Azariah … Nathan … Zabud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
1 Kings 4:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahishar … Adoniram … Abda (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men who were subjected to forced labor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the men whom Solomon forced to work for him”
1 Kings 4:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben-Hur (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Hur” means “the son of Hur.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the hill country (1)“who was the officer in charge of the hill country
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ephraim (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
1 Kings 4:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben-Deker (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Deker” means “the son of Deker.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Makaz (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Makaz”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Makaz … Shaalbim … Beth Shemesh … Elon Beth Hanan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
1 Kings 4:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben-Hesed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Hesed” means “the son of Hesed.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Arubboth (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Arubboth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arubboth … Sokoh … Hepher (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
1 Kings 4:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben-Abinadab (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Abinadab” means “the son of Abinadab.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in all Naphoth Dor (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of all Naphoth Dor”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Naphoth Dor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Taphath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman.
1 Kings 4:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baana … Ahilud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Taanach (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Taanach”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Taanach … Megiddo … Beth Shan … Zarethan … Jezreel … Beth Shan to Abel Meholah … Jokmeam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
1 Kings 4:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben-Geber … Jair … Manasseh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Ramoth Gilead (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Ramoth Gilead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ramoth Gilead … Argob … Bashan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
1 Kings 4:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahinadab … Iddo (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Mahanaim (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Mahanaim”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahanaim (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of place.
1 Kings 4:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahimaaz (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Naphtali (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Naphtali”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Naphtali (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Basemath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman.
1 Kings 4:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baana … Hushai (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Asher (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Asher”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asher (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bealoth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a piece of land.
1 Kings 4:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jehoshaphat … Paruah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Issachar (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Issachar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Issachar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.
1 Kings 4:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shimei … Ela (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Benjamin (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Benjamin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benjamin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a tribal land named for a son of Israel.
1 Kings 4:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Geber … Uri … Sihon … Og (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the land of Gilead (1)Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of the land of Gilead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gilead … Bashan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the country of Sihon (1)Alternate translation: “the land that in earlier years belonged to Sihon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amorites (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the land (1)Here “the land” refers to the land of Judah; the previous officials presided over different parts of Israel.
1 Kings 4:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The speaker uses exaggeration to say that there were so many people that it would be impossible to count them all. The words “Judah” and “Israel” are metonyms for the people who lived in Judah and Israel. Alternate translation: “There were as many people in Judah and Israel as there are grains of sand by the sea” or “there were more people in Judah and Israel than a person could count” (See also: Metonymy)
1 Kings 4:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the River (1)Alternate translation: “the Euphrates River”
1 Kings 4:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty cors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
A cor is a unit of dry measure.
1 Kings 4:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: deer, gazelles, roebucks (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
four-legged animals that run fast
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: deer (1)more than one of these animals
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fattened fowl (1)Alternate translation: “birds that people fed so they would become fat”
1 Kings 4:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tiphsah (1)name of a piece of land
1 Kings 4:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah and Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “Judah” and “Israel” are metonyms for the people of Judah and Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every man under his vine and under his fig tree (1)“each family had their own garden with grapevines and fig trees,” This showed that the people lived in safety and peace, since they were not at war and had time to grow their gardens.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from Dan to Beersheba (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This represents the whole land of Israel from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.
1 Kings 4:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stalls of horses (1)A stall is a place where an animal such as a horse is kept and cared for.
1 Kings 4:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who came to King Solomon’s table (1)Alternate translation: “who ate with King Solomon” or “whom King Solomon invited to eat with him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every man in his month (1)Solomon had assigned 12 officers in 1 Kings 4:7 to bring him food in different months.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They let nothing be lacking (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “They provided everything that Solomon needed”
1 Kings 4:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “understanding” can be translated as verbs. God giving him these things means that God enabled him to have these qualities. Alternate translation: “God enabled Solomon to be wise and to understand many things” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wideness of understanding like the sand on the seashore (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Solomon was able to understand many things about many different subjects. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wideness, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Solomon was able to understand many things about a wide range of subjects”
1 Kings 4:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon’s wisdom exceeded the wisdom of all the people (1)Alternate translation: “Solomon was wiser than all the wise people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the people of the east (1)This refers to people from countries east of Israel such as Arabia and Mesopotamia.
1 Kings 4:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ethan … Heman … Kalkol … Darda … Mahol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
men’s names
1 Kings 4:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cedar … hyssop (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
These words form a merism that includes all plants. Alternate translation: “cedar tree … hyssop bush” or “the greatest of trees … least important of bushes” (See also: Merism)
1 Kings 5
1 Kings 5 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This is the beginning of the description of the building of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Special concepts in this chapter
Building the temple
Building the temple took a lot of work and cooperation. King Hiram of Tyre provided lumber for building the temple in exchange for wheat and olive oil. Solomon also had many people cutting rocks for the walls of the temple.
1 Kings 5:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hiram had always loved David (1)Alternate translation: “Hiram had always been a close friend of King David”
1 Kings 5:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh was putting his enemies under the soles of his feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To put an enemy under someone’s foot means to conquer them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was helping David to defeat his enemies” or “David was busy since Yahweh was giving him victory over his enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for the name” refers to worshiping the person.See how you translated this in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people would worship Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of the wars that surrounded him (1)Another possible meaning is “because of the wars with which his enemies surrounded him” or “because he was fighting enemies on all sides”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh was putting his enemies under the soles of his feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Yahweh giving David complete control over his enemies as putting them under his feet. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was enabling David to completely defeat his enemies”
1 Kings 5:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has given me rest on every side (1)Before Solomon became king, King David and the people of Israel had been at war, but now King Solomon and the people were at rest and in a time of peace.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There is neither adversary nor disaster (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
neither humans who cause harm nor natural events that cause harm. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “We are safe from our enemies and from natural disasters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: adversary (1)enemy
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disaster (1)event that causes harm to people and their property
1 Kings 5:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So (1)This is to emphasize the words that follow. “Listen! This is what I am going to do:” or “Because of what Yahweh has done for me, this is what I am going to do:”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the name of Yahweh my God … for my name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “where Yahweh my God will live … where I will live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set on your throne in your place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” refers to ruling as king. Alternate translation: “make to be the king after you”
1 Kings 5:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians (1)Alternate translation: “your workers know how to cut timber better than my men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sidonians (1)people of the city of Sidon
1 Kings 5:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words of Solomon (1)Alternate translation: “what Solomon said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May Yahweh be blessed today (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I praise Yahweh today”
1 Kings 5:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cypress (1)Cypress is another kind of valuable wood that would be used for building the temple.
1 Kings 5:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make them into rafts (1)Alternate translation: “tie them together so they will float in groups”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: them broken up there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “my workers untie the logs from each other”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will do what I desire (1)Alternate translation: “You can do what I want” or “You can pay me”
1 Kings 5:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fir (1)The word “fir” refers to many kinds of trees, including cypress trees.
1 Kings 5:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measures of wheat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
This was a dry measurement whereas the oil was a liquid measurement. It was not clear which measure was intended. The measurement in the UST is an educated guess.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: year by year (1)Alternate translation: “every year”
1 Kings 5:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: conscripted labor out of all Israel (1)Alternate translation: “forced men from all over Israel to work”
1 Kings 5:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in shifts (1)That is, there were three groups that took turns spending one month in Lebanon and two months at home.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: One month they were in Lebanon and two months at home (1)Each of the three groups spent one month working in Lebanon and then two months at home in Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men who were subjected to forced labor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the men whom Solomon was forcing to work for him”
1 Kings 5:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy thousand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: burdens (1)heavy things that people have to work hard to carry
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighty thousand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“80,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stonecutters (1)men who dig stones out of the ground and cut them to the proper shape
1 Kings 5:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 3,300 chief officers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“three thousand three hundred chief officers”
1 Kings 5:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: quarried large stones of high quality (1)Alternate translation: “dug large, good stones out of the mountain and cut them to be the right shape”
1 Kings 5:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gebalites (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
men from the city of Gebal
1 Kings 6
1 Kings 6 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Special concepts in this chapter
Building the temple
Solomon built the temple in seven years. The outside walls were made of rock. Solomon shaped the rocks for the wall in the quarry and then assembled them at the temple site. The inside was covered with wood. Inside the temple was a room covered by gold, which was the Most Holy Place where the ark was housed under statues of angels. It represented the presence of God.
1 Kings 6:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon began to build (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “Solomon commanded his workers to begin building”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 480th … fourth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
These are the ordinal forms of 480 and 4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the month of Ziv, which is the second month (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“Ziv” is the name of the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)
1 Kings 6:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. This can be written used modern measures. Alternate translation: “27.6 meters long, 9.2 meters wide, and 13.8 meters high” (See also: Biblical Distance)
1 Kings 6:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (1)an area of a building made of columns and a roof that leads to and connects with the building’s entrance door. This portico was probably attached to the front part of the wall that surrounded the temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits … ten cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “9.2 meters … 4.6 meters”
1 Kings 6:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he made windows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they made windows”
1 Kings 6:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he built (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they built”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he built rooms around it (1)He built rooms on the outside of the outside wall around the main chamber.
1 Kings 6:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The lowest story … the middle … the third (1)This refers to the rooms in each story of the building.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits … six cubits … seven cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 2.3 meters … about 2.8 meters … about 3.2 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he made offsets in the wall of the house (1)They made ledges all around the main building to support the beams of the small rooms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beams (1)A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building.
1 Kings 6:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (1)Here “house” refers to God’s house, the temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stones prepared at the quarry (1)A quarry is where people cut large stones from a mountain and shape them with tools so they are smooth. After they prepared the stones at the quarry, they brought them to the temple.
1 Kings 6:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ground level … middle level … third level (1)There were a total of three floors. Some languages call these “ground floor,” “first floor,” and “second floor.”
1 Kings 6:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon built … he covered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s workers built … they covered”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beams … of cedar (1)A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: planks … of cedar (1)A plank is a flat wooden board used for floors and walls.
1 Kings 6:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “They built”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built the side rooms (1)These are the same rooms that are referred to in 1 Kings 6:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: inner chambers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase is a metonym for the walls that enclosed the chambers. Alternate translation: “exterior walls that enclosed the inner chambers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: timbers of cedar (1)The word “timbers” is a general term that refers to wood used for building, such as beams and planks.
1 Kings 6:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came to Solomon, saying, (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “The word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Solomon. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Solomon:”
1 Kings 6:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which you are building (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “which you are having your workers build”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk in my statutes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “walk” is a metaphor for “live” or “obey.” Alternate translation: “continually obey all my statutes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do justice (1)This could mean: (1) “carry out all of my laws” or (2) “treat the people whom you are ruling justly.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep all my commandments and walk in them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the importance of obeying God’s commandments. AT “carefully obey all I tell you to do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will confirm my promise with you that I had made to David your father (1)Alternate translation: “I will do everything I promised David your father that I would do for you”
1 Kings 6:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s workers”
1 Kings 6:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he built … he covered them … he covered the floor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they built … they covered them … they covered the floor”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: interior walls (1)walls between the rooms on the inside
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cypress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Cypress is a kind of wood that was used for building the temple.
1 Kings 6:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built twenty cubits … He built this room (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to build twenty cubits … He had them build this room”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built twenty cubits (1)Alternate translation: “He built a room twenty cubits long”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “9.2 meters”
1 Kings 6:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “18.4 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: main hall (1)Alternate translation: “main room”
1 Kings 6:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gourds (1)a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: open flowers (1)Alternate translation: “blooming flowers” or “flowers that were open”
1 Kings 6:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon prepared (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They prepared”
1 Kings 6:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon overlaid (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits (1)Alternate translation: “9.2 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covered the altar with cedar wood (1)This altar would be used for burning incense.
1 Kings 6:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon overlaid … he placed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid … they placed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overlaid (1)Alternate translation: “covered”
1 Kings 6:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He overlaid … He also overlaid (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid … They also overlaid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: altar that belonged to the inner room (1)Alternate translation: “altar of incense at the entrance to the inner room”
1 Kings 6:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon commanded them to make”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: olivewood (1)wood from an olive tree
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “4.6 meters”
1 Kings 6:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters”
1 Kings 6:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wingspan (1)the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: same dimensions (1)Alternate translation: “same size”
1 Kings 6:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon placed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They placed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: innermost room (1)another name for the most holy place
1 Kings 6:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon overlaid (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overlaid (1)“covered.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.
1 Kings 6:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He carved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to carve”
1 Kings 6:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon overlaid (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He had them overlay”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overlaid (1)covered
1 Kings 6:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lintel (1)beam across the top of a door frame
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: indented sections (1)toothlike notches on each of five sections
1 Kings 6:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he made … he made … He overlaid … he spread (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “they made … they made … They overlaid … they spread”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overlaid (1)“covered.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.
1 Kings 6:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In this way, Solomon also made for the temple entrance doorposts of olive wood having four indented sections (1)Alternate translation: “In the same way, Solomon also made doorposts of olive wood for the temple entrance, with four indented sections”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon also made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “they also made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: indented sections (1)tooth-like notches
1 Kings 6:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The two leaves of the one door (1)This means each door had two sections connected by hinges so they could fold together.
1 Kings 6:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He carved … he evenly overlaid (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They carved … they evenly overlaid”
1 Kings 6:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built the inner courtyard (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They built the inner courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cedar beams (1)A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.
1 Kings 6:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fourth year (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
The word “fourth” is the ordinal form of “four.” You may need to make explicit the event from which the writer counts the years. Alternate translation: “the fourth year after Solomon became king” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the temple”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the month of Ziv (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“Ziv” is the name of the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:1. (See also: How to Translate Names)
1 Kings 6:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the eleventh year (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
The word “eleventh” is the ordinal forms of “eleven.” You may need to make explicit the event from which the writer counts the years. Alternate translation: “the eleventh year after Solomon became king” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“Bul” is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of October and the first part of November on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house was finished in all its parts and conforming to all its specifications (1)This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they finished building every part of the house. They built it exactly the way Solomon had told them to build it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon took (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “It took Solomon’s workers”
1 Kings 7
1 Kings 7 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter has a description of the palace Solomon built and the materials used in the temple courtyard. It is the last chapter about the building of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Special concepts in this chapter
Bronze
Solomon hired a man from Tyre who was good at casting things out of bronze. The bronze objects were made by hollowing out the shape of the object in clay and then pouring in the hot melted liquid bronze and letting it cool. He made two large pillars and a large water reservoir set on the backs of 12 bronze cows. He made all the instruments for use in the sacrifices outside the temple. He made the furnishing inside the temple out of gold.
The temple and the palace
Solomon spent 13 years building a palace for himself that was much bigger than the temple. It is significant that the house of Solomon was much larger than the house of God. (See: house of God, your house, his house, Yahweh’s house, a house for my name, the house for my name, the house, a house, a house of Yahweh)
1 Kings 7:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon took thirteen years to build his own palace (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “It took Solomon’s workers thirteen years to build his palace”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: palace (1)If your language does not have a word for “palace,” you may translate this as “house” or “big house.”
1 Kings 7:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to build”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon (1)Alternate translation: “the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits … fifty cubits … thirty cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “46 meters … 23 meters … 13.8 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beams (1)A beam is a long piece of strong wood used to support walls and roofs.
1 Kings 7:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The house was roofed with cedar that rested on beams (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The carpenters built a roof from cedar planks and attached them to beams”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beams (1)long pieces of strong wood usually used to support a roof
1 Kings 7:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were made square (1)Alternate translation: “had rectangular frames”
1 Kings 7:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: colonnade (1)a series of columns, all the same distance apart
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits … thirty cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “23 meters … 13.8 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (1)an area of a building made of columns and a roof that leads to and connects with the building’s entrance door. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:3
1 Kings 7:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon built (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon had them build”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hall of the throne (1)This could mean: (1) “the house in which he was going to place his throne” or (2) “a house named The King’s Chair House”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was covered with cedar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers covered the floor with cedar wood”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from floor to floor (1)This refers to the entire floor. Alternate translation: “from one wall to the other”
1 Kings 7:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon’s house in which he was to live, in another courtyard within the palace grounds, was similarly designed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Solomon had someone design the house in which he was to live, in another courtyard within the palace grounds, in the same way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He also built (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He also commanded them to build”
1 Kings 7:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These buildings were adorned with costly hewn stones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers adorned the buildings with costly, hewn stones”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hewn stones, precisely measured and cut with a saw and smoothed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “hewn stones, that workers had precisely measured and cut with a saw and smoothed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These stones were used (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers used these stones”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the foundation to the stones on top, and also on the outside to the great court (1)The author is emphasizing that the workers used expensive stones for the foundations and all the buildings.
1 Kings 7:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The foundation was constructed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers constructed the foundation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eight and ten cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 3.7 meters and 4.6 meters”
1 Kings 7:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cedar beams (1)A beam is a long piece of wood used for structural support.
1 Kings 7:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams (1)See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:36.
1 Kings 7:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought him from Tyre (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Huram accepted Solomon’s invitation to come to Jerusalem.
1 Kings 7:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the son of a widow … his father was a man of Tyre (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, so we know that the father is dead.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The words “wisdom and understanding” mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Yahweh giving such things as wisdom is spoken of as if they were liquids that Yahweh had poured into a container, and Huram is spoken of as if he were that container. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had given Huram wisdom, understanding, and skill” (See also: Doublet and Metaphor)
1 Kings 7:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighteen cubits … twelve cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 8.3 meters … 5.5 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in circumference (1)Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.
1 Kings 7:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two capitals (1)decorations on top of each of the two pillars
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: polished bronze (1)They polished the bronze so that it would reflect sunlight. “gleaming bronze”
1 Kings 7:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Checker latticework and wreaths of chain work (1)Alternate translation: “Crossed metal strips woven together and metal chains twisted together”
1 Kings 7:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram commanded his workers to make”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two rows of pomegranates (1)A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. Huram did not use real pomegranates to decorate the pillars. He made them out of bronze.
1 Kings 7:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The capitals … were decorated with lilies, four cubits high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Lilies are plants whose flowers are wide at one end and very narrow at the other end. These words can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Huram decorated the capitals … with bronze lilies, four cubits high” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tops of the portico (1)Translate “portico” as in 1 Kings 7:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 1.8 meters”
1 Kings 7:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two hundred pomegranates (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“200 pomegranates.” A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:18
1 Kings 7:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He raised up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They raised up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The pillar on the right was named Jakin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The name of the pillar on the right side was Jakin” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pillar on the left was named Boaz (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The name of the pillar on the left side was Boaz”
1 Kings 7:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The fashioning of the pillars was done (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram fashioned the pillars” or “Huram’s men fashioned the pillars”
1 Kings 7:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram also commanded them to make”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the round sea (1)This refers to a bronze tank or basin that would hold water.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cast metal (1)Huram melted the bronze and formed it in a mold.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten cubits … five cubits … thirty cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “4.6 meters … 2.3 meters … 13.8 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from brim to brim (1)Alternate translation: “from one edge to the other”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in circumference (1)Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.
1 Kings 7:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: encircling the sea were gourds (1)A gourd is a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when that basin was cast (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when Huram cast that basin”
1 Kings 7:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Sea (1)This refers to the bronze tank or basin that held water for sacrifices.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stood on (1)Alternate translation: “was on top of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: “The Sea” was set on top of them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram’s workers set ‘The Sea’ on top of the bronze oxen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hindquarters (1)This is the back quarter of the body of an animal with four feet.
1 Kings 7:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its brim was forged like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram forged the brim to look like the brim of a cup, to curve outward like a lily” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two thousand baths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “2,000 baths” or “44,000 liters”
1 Kings 7:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram also commanded them to make” or “They also made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four cubits … three cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 1.8 meters … about 1.4 meters”
1 Kings 7:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The work of the stands was like this (1)This means the author will describe the stands in the words that follow.
1 Kings 7:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the panels and on the frames were lions, oxen, and cherubim (1)There were decorative pieces in the shapes of lions, oxen, and cherubim fastened to the sides of the stands.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wreaths of hammered work (1)Here the word “wreaths” refers to spiral-shaped pieces of bronze.
1 Kings 7:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four bronze wheels and axles (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
There was one axle for each pair of wheels. Alternate translation: “four bronze wheels and two axles” (See also: Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its four corners (1)Alternate translation: “the four corners of each stand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The supports were cast with wreaths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Each support was cast as one piece with the wreaths. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram cast the supports with spiral-shaped pieces”
1 Kings 7:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a cubit and a half … a cubit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 70 centimeters … about 50 centimeters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a crown that rose up (1)Here the word “crown” refers to the circular piece at the top of the stand’s opening that held the basin.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their panels were square (1)“the panels of the stands were square.” This phrase returns to the description of the panels that began in 1 Kings 7:28.
1 Kings 7:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their housings (1)Here the word “their” refers to the axles. The word “housings” refers to the casings into which the axles were inserted.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a cubit and a half (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 70 centimeters”
1 Kings 7:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The wheels were forged like chariot wheels (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram made the wheels like small chariot wheels”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their housings, rims, spokes, and hubs (1)Here the word “Their” refers to the wheels.
1 Kings 7:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There were four handles at the four corners of each stand (1)Alternate translation: “There was a handle at each of the four corners of each stand”
1 Kings 7:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: half a cubit deep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “twenty-three centimeters wide”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the top of the stand its supports and panels were attached (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram attached the supports and panels to the top of each stand”
1 Kings 7:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram engraved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “they engraved”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were surrounded (1)Here the word “they” refers to the cherubim, lions, and palm trees.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were surrounded by wreaths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “wreaths” refers to spiral-shaped pieces of bronze. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “there were wreaths all around them”
1 Kings 7:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to make”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All of them were cast in the same molds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram cast all of the stands in the same mold” or “They cast all of the stand in the same mold”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had one size, and the same shape (1)Alternate translation: “all of the stands were the same size and shape”
1 Kings 7:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram made ten (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram had them make ten”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty baths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “about 88 liters” or “about 90 liters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four cubits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 1.8 meters”
1 Kings 7:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He made five … He set (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Human had them make five … Huram commanded them to set”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the south-facing side … the north-facing side (1)Alternate translation: “the south side … the north side”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the east corner, facing toward the south of the temple (1)Alternate translation: “near the southeast corner of the temple”
1 Kings 7:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram made … he finished (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram had them make … they finished”
1 Kings 7:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bowl-like capitals (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The capitals were shaped like bowls.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: decorative latticework (1)Alternate translation: “crossed metal strips woven together”
1 Kings 7:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four hundred pomegranates (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“400 pomegranates.” A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:18.
1 Kings 7:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made”
1 Kings 7:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Huram made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the other implements (1)Alternate translation: “all the other tools”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: polished bronze (1)bronze that was polished so that it would reflect light
1 Kings 7:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king had cast them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “The king had his workers cast them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plain of the Jordan (1)Alternate translation: “flat land near the Jordan River”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Succoth … Zarethan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
1 Kings 7:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon did not weigh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon did not have them weigh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the weight of the bronze could not be measured (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one could measure the weight of the bronze”
1 Kings 7:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon had made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s workers had made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on which the bread of the presence was to be placed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “on which the priests were to place the bread of the presence”
1 Kings 7:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the flowers, the lamps (1)The “flowers” and “lamps” were part of the lampstands.
1 Kings 7:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had made the cups … all of which were made of pure gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “had his workers make all the cups … out of pure gold”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sockets of gold made for the doors (1)Here, sockets may refer to either: (1) the sockets in which the door pegs turned, or (2) the hinges on which the doors hung.
1 Kings 7:51
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the work that King Solomon directed for the house of Yahweh was finished (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the workers finished the work that King Solomon had them do for the house of Yahweh”
1 Kings 8
1 Kings 8 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ark is placed in the new temple. This is a very significant event in the history of the Israelites. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Special concepts in this chapter
Celebration of the temple’s completion
When the temple was finished, Solomon told all of the people to come to Jerusalem. They took the ark out of the tent and brought it to the temple. Then Solomon prayed that God would hear and answer prayers made to him when they faced towards the temple.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Idiom
Solomon prayed that God would respond to people’s prayers using an idiom: “that your eyes may be open to the request of your servant.” (See: Idiom)
1 Kings 8:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: assembled the elders of Israel (1)Alternate translation: “called together the leaders of Israel”
1 Kings 8:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the men of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 8:1 or (2) generally to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every male person who lived in Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the feast (1)This is a reference to the Feast of Succoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Shelters .
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the month of Ethanim, which is the seventh month (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“Ethanim” is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)
1 Kings 8:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the assembly of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sheep and oxen that could not be counted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “more sheep and oxen than anyone would ever be able to count”
1 Kings 8:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the inner room of the house, to the most holy place, under (1)Alternate translation: “into the inner room of the house—that is, to the most holy place—under”
1 Kings 8:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poles by which it was carried (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “poles by which the priests carried it”
1 Kings 8:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their ends were seen … they could not be seen (1)If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people could see their ends … people could not see them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this day (1)This means the day on which the writer wrote.
1 Kings 8:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about that (1)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
1 Kings 8:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh has said … darkness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Solomon speaks to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects Yahweh.
1 Kings 8:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lofty residence (1)beautiful building in which someone very important lives
1 Kings 8:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the assembly of Israel (1)Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel who were gathered there”
1 Kings 8:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh, the God of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with his own hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The hand is a metonym for the power in the hand. Alternate translation: “by his own power”
1 Kings 8:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in order for my name to be (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “so that people would worship me”
1 Kings 8:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it was in the heart of David my father (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: “David my father desired”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for the name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people would worship Yahweh”
1 Kings 8:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In that it was in your heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: “Because you desired”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for my name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for it to be in your heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: “to desire to do that” or “by wanting to do that”
1 Kings 8:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one who will be born from your loins (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “one who will be your own offspring” or “one whom you yourself will father”
1 Kings 8:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has carried out the word that he had said (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “has done exactly what he said he would do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have arisen in the place of David my father (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate translation: “I have gained the power that David my father had”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I sit on the throne of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: “I rule over Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship Yahweh”
1 Kings 8:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is Yahweh’s covenant, which (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The stone tablets on which Yahweh had written the terms of the covenant are spoken of as if they were the covenant itself. Alternate translation: “are the tablets on which Yahweh wrote the terms of the covenant that”
1 Kings 8:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the assembly of Israel (1)Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel who were gathered there”
1 Kings 8:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who keeps his covenant faithfulness with your servants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “who faithfully loves your servants” or “who is faithful to your covenant with your servants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk before you with all their heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “live wholeheartedly the way that you want them to”
1 Kings 8:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fulfilled it with your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The hand is a metonym for the power of the hand. Alternate translation: “by your power fulfilled what you said”
1 Kings 8:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to sit on the throne of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: “to rule over Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk before me … have walked before me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “live as I want you to … have lived as I want you to”
1 Kings 8:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But will God actually live on the earth? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Possible meanings of this question are: (1) Solomon is asking a real question and expecting an answer or (2) the question is rhetorical and Solomon is emphasizing that God is too big and mighty to live on earth. Alternate translation: “But it surely cannot be that God will actually live on the earth!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But will God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here Solomon speaks about God in the third person. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: “But will you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (1)Alternate translation: “What I am about to say is important” or “The truth is that”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you—how much less can this temple that I have built (1)Alternate translation: “you, so this temple that I have built certainly cannot contain you”
1 Kings 8:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: respect this prayer of your servant and his request (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he makes his request. Solomon refers to himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “respect me, your servant, as I make this request” (See also: Pronouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: listen to the cry and prayer that your servant prays before you today (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “cry” and “prayer” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he asks Yahweh to help him. Solomon refers to himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “listen to me, your servant, as I call today for you to help me” (See also: Pronouns)
1 Kings 8:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May your eyes be open toward (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The eye is a metonym for what the eye does. Alternate translation: “May you watch over”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: night and day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This is a merism. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “continually”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My name and my presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words together emphasize that Yahweh will dwell in the temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that your servant will pray (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Solomon speaks of himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “that I, your servant, will pray”
1 Kings 8:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: listen to the request of your servant and of your people Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Solomon speaks of himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “listen to my request and the request of your people Israel”
1 Kings 8:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is required to swear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone requires him to swear”
1 Kings 8:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: upon his own head (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “head” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “on him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give to him according to his righteousness (1)Alternate translation: “to give him what he deserves because he is righteous”
1 Kings 8:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your people Israel are defeated by an enemy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “an enemy defeats your people Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: confess your name (1)This could mean: (1) “confess that they have sinned against you” or (2) “praise you” or (3) “say that they will obey you from now on.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: request forgiveness from you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word forgiveness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “ask you to forgive them”
1 Kings 8:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the skies are shut up and there is no rain (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sky is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain. Alternate translation: “you do not allow rain to fall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: confess your name (1)This could mean: (1) “confess that they have sinned against you” or (2) “praise you” or (3) “say that they will obey you from now on.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 8:33.
1 Kings 8:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in which they should walk (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “that they should live”
1 Kings 8:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blight or mildew (1)These are agricultural terms that refer to the death of crops from either too little or too much rain, respectively.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: locusts or caterpillars (1)A “locust” is a type of grasshopper that causes destruction by eating crops. The word “caterpillar” refers to an early growth stage of the locust.
1 Kings 8:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prayers and requests (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the person is sincere as he makes his request. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “requests”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: knowing the plague in his own heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) The person’s sin is spoken of as if it were a plague. Alternate translation: “knowing the sin in his own heart” or (2) The “plague” is a metonym for the sins that the disasters are a punishment for. Alternate translation: “knowing in his heart that the plague is the result of his own sin” (See also: Metonymy)
1 Kings 8:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this house I have built is called by your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The phrase “is called by your name” shows that God possesses and owns the house. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you own this house that I have built”
1 Kings 8:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Suppose that your people go out … suppose that they pray (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship you”
1 Kings 8:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their prayer and their request (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people are sincere as they make their request. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “their request”
1 Kings 8:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Suppose that they sin … suppose that you are (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future.
1 Kings 8:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: suppose that they realize … suppose that they repent … Suppose that they say (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where they have been exiled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where their enemies have taken them as exiles”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: captors (1)people who keep others as prisoners
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We have acted perversely and sinned. We have behaved wickedly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences mean the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the people’s actions were.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: acted perversely and sinned (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the people sinned.
1 Kings 8:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Suppose that they return … suppose that they pray (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all their heart and with all their soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “with all … heart” means “completely” and “with all … soul” means “with all … being.” These two phrases have similar meanings. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:4. Alternate translation: “with all their being” or “with all their energy” (See also: Doublet)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the land (1)Alternate translation: “while they are living in the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: toward their land (1)“toward the land in which they belong.” This refers to Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship you”
1 Kings 8:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their prayer and their request (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The two words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that the people were sincere as they made their request to Yahweh. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28.
1 Kings 8:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions that they have committed against you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Solomon twice requests Yahweh to forgive the people. This emphasizes the earnestness of his request.
1 Kings 8:51
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a furnace where iron is forged (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a furnace where people forge iron”
1 Kings 8:52
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May your eyes be open (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “Please pay attention”
1 Kings 8:54
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prayer and request (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he makes his request. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “request”
1 Kings 8:56
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May Yahweh be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Not one word has failed out of all Yahweh’s good promises (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has made every word of his good promises come true”
1 Kings 8:57
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: leave us or forsake us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Solomon’s desire for Yahweh to be present with the people.
1 Kings 8:58
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: incline our hearts to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here their “hearts” refer to the people’s desires and emotions. Desiring to please someone is spoken of as inclining the heart toward that person. Alternate translation: “make us want to please him” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: live in all his ways (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “in his ways” is an idiom that refers to the way he wants people to live. Alternate translation: “live as he requires us to live”
1 Kings 8:59
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: day and night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This merism refers to “all the time” or “continually.”
1 Kings 8:61
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your heart be true (1)Alternate translation: “be wholly devoted”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk in his statutes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “always obey his statutes”
1 Kings 8:62
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel with him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This generalization may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 1 Kings 8:1, or (2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
1 Kings 8:63
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the people of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This generalization may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 1 Kings 8:1, or (2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-two thousand oxen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“22,000 oxen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 120,000 sheep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred twenty thousand sheep”
1 Kings 8:64
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bronze altar that was before Yahweh (1)“the bronze altar that was in Yahweh’s presence.” Since the temple is Yahweh’s dwelling place among his people, the altar is described as being in his presence.
1 Kings 8:65
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel with him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This generalization may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 1 Kings 8:1, or (2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:62.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven days … seven days … fourteen days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“7 days … 7 days … 14 days”
1 Kings 8:66
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighth day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
The word “eighth” is the ordinal form of “8.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: joyful and glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
1 Kings 9
1 Kings 9 General Notes
Structure and formatting
There are two parts to this chapter. Verses 1–9 is a dream in which God warned Solomon that he and his descendants were not to worship idols. If they did this, the temple would be destroyed. Verses 10–28 is about Solomon’s extensive building and his partnership with Hiram, king of Tyre. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Special concepts in this chapter
Worship only Yahweh
Yahweh alone must be worshiped. It is necessary for people to stay faithful to God and not worship idols. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
‘Walk” is a common image in Scripture. It is said, “if you walk before me as David your father walked.” (See: INVALID bible/other/walk)
1 Kings 9:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your prayer and your request (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh recognized that Solomon’s request was sincere. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “your request”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to put my name there forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “to dwell there and to claim possession of it forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My eyes and my heart will be there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eyes and heart are synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will protect and care for it”
1 Kings 9:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if you walk before me as David your father walked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “if you live the way I want you to live, just as David your father did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in integrity of heart and in uprightness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how righteous David was.
1 Kings 9:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the throne of your kingdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” refers to his reign. Alternate translation: “your dynasty” or “your reign”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will never fail to be on the throne of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The action of ruling a kingdom is spoken of as if it were a person sitting on a throne. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “will always rule over Israel” (See also: Litotes)
1 Kings 9:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my commandments and my statutes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here the words “commandments” and “statutes” mean basically the same thing and emphasize all that Yahweh has commanded.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: worship other gods and bow down to them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
1 Kings 9:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set apart to my name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” is a metonym for the person who possesses something. Alternate translation: “set apart for myself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cast it out of my sight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sight, you can express the same idea with the verb “see.” Looking at something is a metaphor for protecting it. Alternate translation: “I will put it where I no longer have to see it” or “I will get rid of it so I no longer have to protect it” (See also: Metaphor)
1 Kings 9:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This temple will become a heap of ruins (1)Alternate translation: “This temple will be destroyed and its remains will be piled into a high mound”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be shocked and will hiss (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will express amazement and make a sound of disrespect”
1 Kings 9:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bowed down to them and worshiped them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase “bowed down to them” describes the posture that people used in worship.
1 Kings 9:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (1)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way of doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the end of twenty years (1)Alternate translation: “after 20 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon had finished building (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.
1 Kings 9:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What cities are these which you have given me, my brother? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Hiram is rebuking Solomon. This questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “These cities that you have given me are good for nothing.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which they are still called today (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and people still call them that today”
1 Kings 9:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 120 talents of gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred and twenty talents of gold.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “about 4,000 kilograms of gold” (See also: Biblical Weight)
1 Kings 9:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the account of the forced labor which King Solomon imposed (1)Alternate translation: “the account of Solomon requiring men to work”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Millo (1)This could mean: (1) “the terrace system” or (2) “the landfill.”
1 Kings 9:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The person is a metonym for the army he commands. Alternate translation: “The army of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had gone up”
1 Kings 9:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Solomon rebuilt Gezer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.
1 Kings 9:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon made no forced laborers of the people of Israel (1)Alternate translation: “Solomon did not force the people of Israel to labor”
1 Kings 9:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 550 of them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“five hundred and fifty of them”
1 Kings 9:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: built the Millo (1)This could mean: (1) “built the terrace system” or (2) “built the landfill.” See how you translated “the Millo” in 1 Kings 9:15.
1 Kings 9:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: altar that was before Yahweh (1)See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 8:64.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So he completed the temple (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Solomon is a metonym for the workers he hired to do the work. Alternate translation: “So his workers completed the temple”
1 Kings 9:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: King Solomon built (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a fleet of ships (1)Alternate translation: “a large group of ships”
1 Kings 9:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 420 talents of gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“four hundred and twenty talents of gold.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “about 14,000 kilograms of gold” (See also: Biblical Weight)
1 Kings 10
1 Kings 10 General Notes
Structure and formatting
There are two parts to this chapter: The fame of Solomon’s wisdom and the wealth of his kingdom. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Queen of Sheba
King Solomon became so famous for his wisdom that the queen of Sheba (modern day Yemen) came all the way to see him and was deeply impressed. God promised him great wealth and he became famously rich. (See: promise, promised)
1 Kings 10:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon’s fame concerning the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh is represented by his “name.” This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “Solomon’s fame, which glorified Yahweh” or (2) Alternate translation: “Solomon’s fame, which Yahweh had given him”
1 Kings 10:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all that was in her heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “everything she wanted to know”
1 Kings 10:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the seating of his servants (1)This could mean: (1) “how his servants were seated around the table” or (2) “where his servants lived.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there was no more breath in her (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “she was utterly amazed”
1 Kings 10:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I heard in my own land (1)Alternate translation: “I heard while I was in my own land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your words and your wisdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
Here the word “wisdom” can describe the word “words.” Alternate translation: “your wise sayings”
1 Kings 10:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eyes have seen it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “my eyes” emphasizes that she herself saw it. Alternate translation: “I have seen it for myself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Not half was told me about your wisdom and wealth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated without the passive form. Alternate translation: “They did not tell me about even half of your wisdom and wealth” or “You are much more wise and wealthy than what they told me”
1 Kings 10:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who constantly stand before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “who are always in your presence waiting to serve you”
1 Kings 10:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May Yahweh your God be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people praise Yahweh your God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who placed you on the throne of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The throne is a metonym for the king who sits on it. Alternate translation: “who made you king of Israel”
1 Kings 10:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 120 talents of gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred and twenty talents of gold.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “about 4,000 kilograms of gold” (See also: Biblical Weight)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No greater amount of spices … was ever given to him again (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one ever again gave to King Solomon more spices than the queen of Sheba gave to him”
1 Kings 10:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: almug wood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a type of wood, possibly one with a pleasant scent
1 Kings 10:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: “The king told his people to make”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or been seen again (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nor has anyone ever seen such a great quantity again”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to this day (1)This means to the day that the author was writing this.
1 Kings 10:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: everything she wished for, whatever she asked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of his royal bounty (1)Alternate translation: “because as king he had so much”
1 Kings 10:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in one year (1)“each year.” This refers to every year of Solomon’s reign, and not to just one time.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 666 talents of gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“six hundred sixty-six.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “almost 22,000 kilograms of gold” (See also: Biblical Weight)
1 Kings 10:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: King Solomon made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: “King Solomon’s men made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two hundred large shields (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“200 large shields”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Six hundred shekels of gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “About 6.6 kilograms of gold” or “Six and one half kilograms of gold”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Six hundred shekels (1)Because the word “shekels” does not appear here in the Hebrew text, some modern versions assume instead the unit of bekah, which was equivalent to only a half shekel. Any version making this assumption would signal a metric equivalent of about three kilograms.
1 Kings 10:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He also made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: “The king’s men also made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three hundred shields (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 shields”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Three minas of gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
A mina is a unit of weight equal to about 550 grams. Alternate translation: “About 1.7 kilograms of gold” or “One and three-quarters kilograms of gold”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon (1)“the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.
1 Kings 10:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped the king do this. Alternate translation: “the king’s men made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: throne of ivory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals.
1 Kings 10:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon (1)“the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.
1 Kings 10:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ivory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 10:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: apes and baboons (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
These animals live wild in Africa. At the ends of their four limbs are what look like human hands and feet, and they have long tails. Some people consider baboons a type of ape.
1 Kings 10:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “People from everywhere” or “People from many different places”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sought the presence of Solomon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The presence of the person is a metonym for being able to speak and listen to the person. Alternate translation: “sought an audience with Solomon” or “wanted to visit Solomon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The heart is a metonym for what a person thinks and is spoken of as if it were a container. Here, wisdom is spoken of as if it were an object that could be put in a container and can be translated as an adjective. It can be a metonym for either the person or the words the person speaks. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to hear his wisdom, which God had given him” or “to hear how wise God had enabled him to be” or “to hear him speak the wise words that God had enabled him to speak”
1 Kings 10:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 1,400 chariots and twelve thousand horsemen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one thousand four hundred chariots and 12,000 horsemen”
1 Kings 10:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king had silver in Jerusalem, as much as the stones on the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The narrator uses exaggeration to emphasize the great amount of silver that was in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The king had so much silver in Jerusalem, it was like there was as much silver as there was stones on the ground”
1 Kings 10:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were imported from Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that his merchants had bought from people in Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a region. Some think that Kue was the same as Cilicia, in Asia Minor.
1 Kings 10:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Chariots were purchased (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “His merchants purchased chariots”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six hundred shekels of silver & 150 shekels (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 6.6 kilograms of silver … about 1.7 kilograms”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six hundred shekels of silver (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“600 shekels of silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 150 shekels (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred and fifty shekels”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Many of these were then sold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “His merchants then sold many of these”
1 Kings 11
1 Kings 11 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This is the end of the story of Solomon. (Chapters 1–11)
Special concepts in this chapter
Intermarriage with Gentiles
God had told the people of Israel in Moses’s law never to marry women from the Gentile nations. But Solomon married many women from Gentile countries. This was because their religious beliefs would negatively affect Israel. Solomon, the wisest man, became a fool and his wives persuaded him to worship foolish idols. God became angry and warned he would take away 10 tribes from the kingdom of his son. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God, believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief, wise, wisdom and fool, foolish, folly and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
1 Kings 11:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now King Solomon (1)The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line where the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of people groups.
1 Kings 11:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn your heart to their gods (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
To “turn someone’s heart” is to convince that person to change his affection. Alternate translation: “persuade you to worship the gods that they worship” (See also: Idiom)
1 Kings 11:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven hundred royal wives and three hundred concubines (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“700 royal wives and 300 concubines”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned his heart away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
To “turn someone’s heart” is to convince that person to change his affection. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 11:1. Alternate translation: “turned his heart away from Yahweh” or “persuaded him to stop worshiping Yahweh” (See also: Metonymy)
1 Kings 11:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his heart was not fully surrendered … as was the heart of David (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
To “surrender” your heart refers to giving total allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: “he was not fully devoted … as was David”
1 Kings 11:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ashtoreth … Molech (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of false gods.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sidonians (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he followed Molech (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Some version render this as “Milcom.”
1 Kings 11:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase, “in the sight of” refers to someone’s opinion. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
1 Kings 11:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Chemosh … Molech (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of false gods.
1 Kings 11:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sacrificed to their gods at them (1)Here the words “at them” refer to the shrines that Solomon built.
1 Kings 11:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his heart had turned away from him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The words “his heart had turned” refer to his having changed allegiance and affection. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 11:1. Alternate translation: “Solomon had stopped worshiping Yahweh” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he had appeared to him twice (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh had appeared to Solomon twice”
1 Kings 11:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tear the kingdom from you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To “tear from” is to forcefully remove. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. Alternate translation: “forcefully take the kingdom from you”
1 Kings 11:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of your son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” refers to control, authority and power. Alternate translation: “your son’s control”
1 Kings 11:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hadad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
1 Kings 11:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joab and all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The words “all Israel” refer to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “Joab and all of the Israelite army”
1 Kings 11:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But Hadad was taken with other Edomites by his father’s servants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “But the servants of Hadad’s father took him with other Edomites”
1 Kings 11:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They left Midian (1)Here the word “They” refers to Hadad and the other Edomites mentioned in 1 Kings 11:17.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Midian … Paran … Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
1 Kings 11:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tahpenes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman.
1 Kings 11:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tahpenes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hadad … Genubath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
1 Kings 11:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David had lain down with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of saying David was dead. Alternate translation: “David had died”
1 Kings 11:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rezon … Eliada … Hadadezer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zobah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a location.
1 Kings 11:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zobah … Damascus (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of locations.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when David defeated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “David” refers to David and his army. Alternate translation: “when David’s army overcame”
1 Kings 11:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aram (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a location.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the days of Solomon (1)Alternate translation: “during the time that Solomon was alive” or “all the days of Solomon’s life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rezon abhorred Israel (1)Alternate translation: “Rezon hated Israel very much”
1 Kings 11:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jeroboam … Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zeredah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a location.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zeruah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lifted up his hand against the king (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” refers to authority, power and control. The phrase “lifted up against” refers to having opposed someone by using authority, power and control. This is a metonym used as a common idiom. Alternate translation: “rebelled against the king” (See also: Idiom)
1 Kings 11:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon had built up the place located at Millo (1)Translate “Millo” as in 1 Kings 9:15.
1 Kings 11:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a mighty man of valor (1)This could mean: (1) “a great warrior” or (2) “a very capable man” or (3) “a wealthy and influential man.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he gave him command (1)Alternate translation: “he made him commander”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the labor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “labor” refers to the work that Solomon commanded the people to do for his government. This is a metonym.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Joseph (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the descendants of Joseph who were the people groups of Ephraim and Manasseh. This is a metonym.
1 Kings 11:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahijah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shilonite (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The Shilonites are a people group.
1 Kings 11:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He said (1)Here the word “He” refers to Ahijah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tear the kingdom out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “tear … out” is a metaphor that refers to the action of forcefully removing. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 11:11. Alternate translation: “forcefully take the kingdom out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of Solomon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” is a metonym that refers to a person’s authority, control and power. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s control”
1 Kings 11:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon will have (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The name “Solomon” here is a metonym referring to his descendants. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s sons will have” or “Solomon’s descendants will have”
1 Kings 11:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ashtoreth … Chemosh … Molech (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of false gods.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sidonians … Moab … Ammon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of locations and the people groups that live there.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what is right in my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Eyes” here is a metonym for someone’s opinion or idea. This is a commonly used idiom. Alternate translation: “what I consider to be right” (See also: Idiom)
1 Kings 11:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not take (1)Here the word “I” refers to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of Solomon’s hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” is a metonym that refers to a person’s authority, control and power. Alternate translation: “out of Solomon’s control”
1 Kings 11:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give it to you (1)Here the word “you” refers to Jeroboam.
1 Kings 11:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may always have a lamp before me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “lamp” is a metonym that refers to a person’s influence and guidance. Alternate translation: “will always have a descendant to rule as an influence and a guide for obeying my covenant with David’s family”
1 Kings 11:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will take you (1)Here the word “I” refers to Yahweh and the word “you” refers to Jeroboam.
1 Kings 11:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what is right in my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “eyes” here is a metonym for someone’s opinion or idea. This is a commonly used idiom. See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 11:33. (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: build you a sure house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The clause “build a house” is a metaphor for establishing descendants from that time on. Alternate translation: “establish for you a lasting kingdom”
1 Kings 11:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shishak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
1 Kings 11:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of Solomon? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “you can find them in the book of the events of Solomon.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the book of the events of Solomon (1)This book no longer exists.
1 Kings 11:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He slept with his ancestors and he was buried (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The clause “slept with his ancestors” is a metaphor that expresses as a euphemism the death of a person in more gentle words. Alternate translation: “He died and he was buried with his ancestors” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he was buried (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “people buried him”
1 Kings 12
1 Kings 12 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Civil war
This chapter explains how the united kingdom of Israel was split into the two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. This is sometimes called a “civil war.”
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel splits
God’s warning to Solomon came true. In spite of his famous wealth, Solomon had over-taxed his own people and forced them to work for free. When the people requested that King Rehoboam reduce taxes and forced labor, he said that he would be harsher than his father. This caused the 10 northern tribes to revolt and appoint Jeroboam as their king. These northern tribes are now called the kingdom of Israel. Only Judah and Benjamin stayed with Rehoboam. They are called Judah. (See: appoint, appointed)
Jeroboam introduces calf worship
Jeroboam made a terrible mistake. He was afraid that if the people continued to go to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, they would want to return to Rehoboam as their king. So he made two shrines with calves made of gold for the people to worship. This eventually caused the destruction of his whole family. The kingdom of Israel continued worshiping the idols until they were taken slaves by the Assyrians. The northern tribes were unable to truly worship Yahweh without going to Jerusalem in the kingdom of Judah.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
The people used the metaphor of “yoke” for oppressive government: “Your father made our yoke difficult. Now then, make your father’s hard work easier, and lighten the heavy yoke that he put on us.” But Rehoboam promised to increase their oppression with three metaphors: “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. So now, although my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions.” (See: Metaphor and INVALID bible/other/oppress and promise, promised)
1 Kings 12:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel was coming (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Israel” represents all the men of Israel capable of fighting. Here “all Israel” is a generalization which means almost all the men of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the men of Israel were coming” (See also: Hyperbole)
1 Kings 12:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It happened that (1)This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jeroboam … Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
1 Kings 12:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called him (1)Here the word “him” refers to Jeroboam.
1 Kings 12:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made our yoke heavy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. Alternate translation: “treated us cruelly” or “forced us to work very hard”
1 Kings 12:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the old men who had stood before Solomon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “stand before” is an idiom for serving the king in his presence. Alternate translation: “the old men who counseled Solomon” or “the old men who attended to Solomon”
1 Kings 12:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lighten the yoke that your father put on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To “lighten the yoke” is a metaphor to represent lifting of the burden. Alternate translation: “Do not treat us as cruelly as your father did” or “Do not force us to work as hard as your father did”
1 Kings 12:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor means that Rehoboam is more cruel and intimidating than his father. Alternate translation: “What I will do to make your burden heavier is much more than what my father put on you”
1 Kings 12:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. Alternate translation: “My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: punish you with scorpions (1)The word scorpions may refer to: (1) a whip with sharp metal barbs on the end or (2) a spider-like creature that has a poisonous sting.
1 Kings 12:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: burdened you with a heavy yoke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 12:4. Alternate translation: “treated you cruelly” or “forced you to work very hard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 12:11. Alternate translation: “My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment”
1 Kings 12:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it was a turn of events brought about by Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused things to happen like this” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his word that he had spoken by Ahijah … to Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “had spoken by” someone refers to giving someone a message to tell others.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahijah … Jeroboam … Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shilonite (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group from the town of Shiloh.
1 Kings 12:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Israel” represents all he men of Israel capable of fighting. “All Israel” is a generalization which means almost all the men of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the men of Israel” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What share do we have in David? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
“Share” here is a metonym meaning a part, involvement, or interest. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “We will have no part in the family of David.” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Son of Jesse” here is a metonym for David, a son of Jesse. “Inheritance” is a metonym for the part left for these people from David’s successes. Alternate translation: “We will have nothing to do with the descendants of Jesse”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Go to your tents, Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Tents” here is a metonym representing a person’s place of residence. Alternate translation: “Go to your homes, people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now see to your own house, David (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“House” here is a metonym for David’s lineage of power and prestige. Alternate translation: “Now take care of your own kingdom, descendant of David”
1 Kings 12:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Adoniram (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. “All Israel” is a generalization which means almost all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel who were there” (See also: Hyperbole)
1 Kings 12:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of David (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” is a metonym that represents family or descendants. Alternate translation: “the kings descended from David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to this day (1)“ever since that time.” This refers to the time that the writer was actually writing this.
1 Kings 12:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It happened that (1)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when all Israel heard (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“All Israel” here is a generalization that means the capable men of Israel who represent the rest of the people by a synecdoche. Alternate translation: “when all the leaders of Israel heard” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: king over all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“Israel” implicitly means the northern ten tribes that rebelled against Rehoboam. Alternate translation: “king over all of the 10 tribes of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the family of David (1)Alternate translation: “David’s descendants”
1 Kings 12:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants. And, here “tribe” refers specifically to the soldiers from those tribes. Alternate translation: “all the soldiers from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 180,000 chosen men (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred eighty thousand chosen men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents the kingdom made up of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of the northern tribes of Israel”
1 Kings 12:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of God came … it said (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: “God spoke this message … and he said” or “God spoke these words … and he said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shemaiah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the man of God (1)The expression “man of God” is a respectful way of referring to a prophet of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the man who belongs to God” or “the prophet of God”
1 Kings 12:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the house of Judah and Benjamin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants. Alternate translation: “all the people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin”
1 Kings 12:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your brothers the people of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “brothers” and “people of Israel” are a doublet that refer to the men of the ten northern tribes and emphasize the family relationship between them and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for this thing has been made to happen by me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because I have made this thing happen”
1 Kings 12:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thought in his heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Heart” here is a metonym for a person’s inner consciousness, thoughts, motivation, or feelings. Alternate translation: “thought to himself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of David (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” is a metonym representing family or descendants. Alternate translation: “the kings descended from David”
1 Kings 12:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If these people go up (1)The words “these people” refer to the people of the northern ten tribes of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the heart of these people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Heart” here is a metonym for the people’s allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: “the allegiance of these people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn again to their master, to Rehoboam king of Judah … return to Rehoboam king of Judah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize Jeroboam’s fear that the people would turn again to Rehoboam as king.
1 Kings 12:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought you up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“You” here is a metonym for the ancestors of the people. Alternate translation: “brought your ancestors up”
1 Kings 12:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jeroboam made houses on high places (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The workers who did this at Jeroboam’s commands are represented by the metonym of the name of Jeroboam himself. Alternate translation: “Jeroboam’s workers made houses on high places”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: houses on high places (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that these were houses of worship. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “houses of worship on high places”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made priests (1)Alternate translation: “appointed men to be priests”
1 Kings 12:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of November on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “on the fifteenth day of the eighth month” (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went up to the altar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Went up” here is an idiom for going to a sacred place to worship since these altars were located on high places. Alternate translation: “offered sacrifices on the altar”
1 Kings 12:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went up to the altar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Went up” here is an idiom for going to a sacred place to worship since these altars were located on high places. Alternate translation: “offered sacrifices on the altar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the month he had planned in his own mind (1)Alternate translation: “in the month that he had determined”
1 Kings 13
1 Kings 13 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter has two parts: The young prophet’s warning to Jeroboam (1–10) and the old prophet’s deception (11–34). (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Special concepts in this chapter
Obeying God
People should do what God tells them to do and not what other people tell them is God’s will for them. The story of the young prophet and the old prophet is an example of this. (See:reward, prize, deserve and will of God)
1 Kings 13:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A man of God came out of Judah by the word of Yahweh to Bethel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that Yahweh sent the man of God to Bethel. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh sent a man of God from Judah to Bethel” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A man of God (1)This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: “A prophet”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came out of Judah (1)Alternate translation: “came from Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”
1 Kings 13:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He cried against the altar (1)Here “He” refers to the man of God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cried against the altar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means he prophesied toward the altar in a loud and condemning voice. Alternate translation: “prophesied loudly toward the altar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Altar, altar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
The prophet spoke to the altar as if it were a person who could hear him. He said this twice for emphasis. (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a son named Josiah will be born to the family of David (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “family of David” refers to the descendants of David. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a descendant of David will have a son named Josiah” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will burn (1)Here “they” refers to Josiah and the people with him.
1 Kings 13:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the altar will be split apart, and the ashes on it will be poured out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will split the altar apart and the ashes on it will fall to the ground”
1 Kings 13:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand with which he had reached out against the man dried up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh dried up the hand with which he had reached out against the man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dried up (1)Alternate translation: “withered” or “became paralyzed”
1 Kings 13:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The altar was also split apart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also split the altar apart”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as described by the sign that the man of God had given by the word of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as the man of God had described by the word of Yahweh as a sign”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”
1 Kings 13:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Plead for the favor of Yahweh your God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Plead that Yahweh your God may favor me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hand may be restored to me again (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh may restore my hand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king’s hand was restored to him again, and it became as it was before (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh restored the king’s hand and made it as it was before”
1 Kings 13:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Come home with me and refresh yourself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The word “yourself” is a reflexive pronoun. Alternate translation: “Come home with me and eat some food”
1 Kings 13:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: half your possessions (1)Alternate translation: “half of your house”
1 Kings 13:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will eat no bread nor drink water, nor return by the way that you came (1)Alternate translation: “Do not eat bread, drink water, or return by the way that you came”
1 Kings 13:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: left another way (1)Alternate translation: “went a different way”
1 Kings 13:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his sons had seen the way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the sons also told their father which way the man of God went.
1 Kings 13:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Saddle (1)This means to place a seat on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it.
1 Kings 13:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The old prophet (1)This refers to the prophet who lived in Bethel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he said to him (1)Alternate translation: “the old prophet said to the man of God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He answered (1)Alternate translation: “The man of God answered”
1 Kings 13:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: go in with you (1)Alternate translation: “go into your house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in this place (1)Alternate translation: “in Bethel”
1 Kings 13:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it was commanded to me by the word of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh commanded me by his word”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”
1 Kings 13:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an angel spoke to me by the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “an angel delivered to me a message from Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”
1 Kings 13:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As they sat at the table (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that they were still eating and drinking at the table. Alternate translation: “As they were eating and drinking at the table”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came to the prophet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to the prophet” or “Yahweh spoke this message to the prophet”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought him back (1)Here the word “him” refers to the man of God.
1 Kings 13:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came from Judah, saying, “Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” in the previous verse is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “came from Judah. He said, ‘Yahweh” or “came from Judah: ‘Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he cried to the man of God (1)Alternate translation: “the prophet spoke loudly to the man of God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because you have been disobedient to the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “Because you have not obeyed the word of Yahweh”
1 Kings 13:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the prophet saddled the donkey (1)This means he placed a seat on the back of the donkey so the man of God could ride on it. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 13:13.
1 Kings 13:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his body was left on the road (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “left his body on the road”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his body (1)Alternate translation: “his dead body”
1 Kings 13:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they came and told it (1)Here “it” refers to what they had seen on the road. Alternate translation: “they came and told about what they had seen”
1 Kings 13:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the body (1)Alternate translation: “the dead body of the man of God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: left in the road (1)Alternate translation: “lying in the road”
1 Kings 13:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took up (1)Alternate translation: “lifted up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the body (1)Alternate translation: “the dead body”
1 Kings 13:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they mourned (1)Here the word “they” refers to the prophet and his sons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Woe, my brother! (1)The word “Woe” here is an expression of great sorrow.
1 Kings 13:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he had buried him (1)Here the word “he” refers to the old prophet and the word “him” refers to the man of God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lay my bones beside his bones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my bones” represents his entire body. Alternate translation: “Lay my dead body beside his bones”
1 Kings 13:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: houses on the high places (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that these were houses of worship. Alternate translation: “houses of worship on the high places”
1 Kings 13:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This matter became sin to the family of Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jeroboam’s family sinned by doing this thing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This matter (1)This phrase refers to Jeroboam’s setting up shrines and appointing priests.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: caused his family to be destroyed and to be exterminated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because of this God destroyed and exterminated Jeroboam’s family”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be destroyed and to be exterminated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These mean nearly the same thing. Alternate translation: “to be completely destroyed”
1 Kings 14
1 Kings 14 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter has two stories. One is the death of Jeroboam’s son (1–18). The other is the reign of Rehoboam (20–31).
Special concepts in this chapter
The death of Jeroboam’s son
God knows the truth; it is useless to try to fool God’s prophet. Jeroboam’s son became sick; so the king sent his wife, disguised as a common woman, to the prophet. The prophet was blind, but when Jeroboam’s wife arrived he told her, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam.” He also told her that her son would die and that all of Jeroboam’s family would be killed, because he had caused Israel to worship the golden calves. (See: INVALID bible/kt/true and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Rehoboam’s reign
When Solomon obeyed God, God made him very rich. When the people of Judah began to worship the fertility goddess, Ashtoreth, and to do many evil things, they had to give all of their wealth to the king of Egypt to persuade him not to attack Jerusalem. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
1 Kings 14:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disguise yourself (1)Alternate translation: “change how you appear to others”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will not be recognized (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will recognize you”
1 Kings 14:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, the wife of Jeroboam (1)Here the word “Look” means “pay attention.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: coming to seek advice from you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word advice, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “coming to ask you to advise her”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Say such and such to her (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The words “such and such” mean that Yahweh told Ahijah what to say. Alternate translation: “Speak in this way to her”
1 Kings 14:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you pretend to be someone you are not? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question shows that Ahijah knew she was disguised. Alternate translation: “Stop pretending to be someone else; I know who you are.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have been sent to you with bad news (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh told me to give you bad news”
1 Kings 14:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I raised you (1)Alternate translation: “I exalted you”
1 Kings 14:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I tore the kingdom away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God forcefully removed most of the kingdom like a person tears a piece of cloth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: followed me (1)Alternate translation: “obeyed me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all his heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “heart” refers to a person’s will and desire. Alternate translation: “with all his will” or “with complete commitment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was right in my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what I judged to be right” or “what I considered to be right”
1 Kings 14:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thrust me behind your back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jeroboam has disrespected Yahweh like a person throws away something that is not wanted. Alternate translation: “completely rejected me”
1 Kings 14:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: look (1)“pay attention.” This word is added to indicate that what follows is important.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cut off … and will completely remove (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are very similar in meaning and are repeated for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off from you every male child in Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of destroying Jeroboam’s family and preventing him from having any descendants as if he were cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy every one of your male children in Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will completely remove your family, like someone who burns up dung until it is gone (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile compares the removal of every descendant of Jeroboam with the complete burning up of dung that was mixed with straw, dried, and burned for fuel.
1 Kings 14:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Anyone who belongs to your family who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Dogs will eat anyone who belongs to your family and who dies in the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the birds of the heavens will eat anyone who dies in the field”
1 Kings 14:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when your feet enter the city (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “feet” here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “when you enter the city”
1 Kings 14:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization that means the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “The Israelite people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: go into a grave (1)Alternate translation: “be buried in a grave”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of Jeroboam’s house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” here is a metonym for “family.” Alternate translation: “in all of Jeroboam’s family”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was anything good found in the sight of Yahweh, the God of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “did Yahweh, the God of Israel, find anything he judged to be good” (See also: Active or Passive)
1 Kings 14:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off the family of Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the new king of Israel destroying Jeroboam’s family and preventing him from having any descendants like one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy the descendants of Jeroboam”
1 Kings 14:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh will attack Israel as a reed is shaken in the water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer here uses a simile to express how Yahweh will bring judgment on the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will attack the people of Israel as a reed is shaken in the water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as a reed is shaken in the water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like a river of water shakes a reed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will root up Israel out of this good land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh compares Israel with a plant that he will tear out of the ground by its roots. Alternate translation: “he will remove the people of Israel from this good land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scatter them (1)Alternate translation: “disperse them”
1 Kings 14:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tirzah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the city where king Jeroboam lived.
1 Kings 14:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All Israel buried him and mourned for him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization that means the people of Israel buried him and mourned for him. Alternate translation: “A great number of the people of Israel were present when people buried him, and the people of Israel mourned for him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as it was told to them by the word of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh told them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “by the message of Yahweh” or “in Yahweh’s message”
1 Kings 14:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: see (1)Alternate translation: “look” or “see for yourself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are written in (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you can find them written in” or “someone has written about them in”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the book of the events of the kings of Israel (1)This refers to a book that no longer exists.
1 Kings 14:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-two years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“22 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jeroboam dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See also: Euphemism)
1 Kings 14:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty-one years old … seventeen years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“41 years old … 17 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in which to put his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “put his name” is a metonym for “dwell” and refers to the temple where Yahweh was to be worshiped. Alternate translation: “in which to dwell” or “in which to be worshiped”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His mother’s name (1)Here the word “His” refers to Rehoboam.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Naamah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a woman’s name.
1 Kings 14:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah did (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Judah” represents the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The “sight” of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:6. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they provoked him to jealousy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word jealousy, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “they made him jealous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their fathers (1)Alternate translation: “their ancestors”
1 Kings 14:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For they also built (1)The word “they” here refers to the people of Judah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: built for themselves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “for themselves” are a metonym for what they will do with the high places. Alternate translation: “built for their own use” (See also: Reflexive Pronouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on every high hill and under every green tree (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is likely to be an exaggeration that indicates there were many places like these for false worship all over the country. Alternate translation: “on the high hills and under the green trees”
1 Kings 14:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cultic prostitutes (1)“religious prostitutes” or “male prostitutes.” This probably refers to male prostitutes who were associated with idol worship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the same despicable practices as the nations that (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “nations” represents the people in those nations. Alternate translation: “the same disgusting things that the people did, whom”
1 Kings 14:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the fifth year of King Rehoboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign as king. Alternate translation: “in the fifth year that Rehoboam was king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the fifth year (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“in year 5”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Shishak king of Egypt” represents himself along with the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “Shishak king of Egypt, and his army with him, came up against Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shishak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:40.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came up against (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. Alternate translation: “came to attack”
1 Kings 14:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He took everything away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization that indicates every valuable thing that could be found was taken away. Alternate translation: “He took away many valuable things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He took (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “He” represents Shishak and the soldiers who were with him. Alternate translation: “Shishak and his army took”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that Solomon had made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Solomon” refers to the craftsmen who worked for Solomon to make the shields. Alternate translation: “that Solomon had his workers make”
1 Kings 14:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: King Rehoboam made shields (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “King Rehoboam” represents the persons who worked for him to make the shields. Alternate translation: “King Rehoboam’s workers made shields”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their place (1)Alternate translation: “in place of the shields of gold”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: entrusted them into the hands of the commanders (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” represents care or responsibility. Alternate translation: “made them the responsibility of the commanders”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who guarded the doors to the king’s house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “doors” represents the entrance. Alternate translation: “who guarded the entrance to the king’s house”
1 Kings 14:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the guards would carry them (1)Alternate translation: “the guards would carry the shields of bronze”
1 Kings 14:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” or “you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the book of the events of the kings of Judah (1)This refers to a book that no longer exists.
1 Kings 14:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There was constant warfare (1)Alternate translation: “There was continuing war” or “There were constant battles”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The names of the kings represent themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: “the armies of Rehoboam and Jeroboam fought in battle again and again” or “Rehoboam and his people and Jeroboam and his people engaged in battle continually”
1 Kings 14:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Rehoboam dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried with them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people buried him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Naamah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:21.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abijah his son (1)Alternate translation: “Abijah the son of Rehoboam”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became king in his place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Rehoboam”
1 Kings 15
1 Kings 15 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Judah had some bad kings and some good kings. All of the kings in Israel continued to worship the golden calves, so they were all considered to be bad. Judah and Israel continually fought each other.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
“But the shrines were not taken away.”
At the shrines, the people worshiped Yahweh. But later, during Hezekiah’s reign, it was decided that all sacrifices must be made only at the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)
1 Kings 15:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam son of Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign. Alternate translation: “After Jeroboam had been the king of Israel for almost eighteen years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the eighteenth year (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“In year 18”
1 Kings 15:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He walked in all the sins (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking represents living, and walking in sins represents committing those sins. Alternate translation: “Abijah continued to practice all the sins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that his father had committed before his time (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since these verses refer to several kings, it may help to include the name of Abijah’s father. This information can be made clear. AT “that his father, Rehoboam, had committed before Abijah’s time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his time (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase represents the time that he was king. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “before Abijah was king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his heart was not devoted … as the heart of David (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The heart represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Abijah was not devoted … as David”
1 Kings 15:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave him a lamp in Jerusalem (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “lamp” here represents a descendant who would be king as David was. Alternate translation: “gave David a descendant to rule in Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by raising up his son after him (1)Alternate translation: “by raising up Abijah’s son after him” or “by giving Abijah a son”
1 Kings 15:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was right in his eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh judges to be right” or “what Yahweh considers to be right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for all the days of his life (1)Alternate translation: “the whole time that David lived” or “throughout David’s whole life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he had not turned away from anything that he commanded him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Turning away from a command represents disobeying it. Alternate translation: “David did not disobey anything that God commanded him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a general way to refer to the situation with Uriah. It can be stated more clearly what this matter was. Alternate translation: “except for what he did to Uriah the Hittite” or “except when he caused Uriah the Hittite to be killed”
1 Kings 15:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: between Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
These kings represent themselves and their armies. Rehoboam was Abijah’s father. Alternate translation: “between the armies of Rehoboam and Jeroboam”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the days of Abijah’s life (1)Alternate translation: “the whole time that Abijah lived”
1 Kings 15:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:29. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: between Abijah and Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The names “Abijah” and “Jeroboam” represent the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: “between the armies of Abijah and Jeroboam”
1 Kings 15:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abijah slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In this euphemism, sleeping represents dying. Alternate translation: “Abijah died as his ancestors had” or “Like his ancestors, Abaijah died” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became king in his place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Abijah”
1 Kings 15:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the twentieth year of Jeroboam’s reign. Alternate translation: “After Jeroboam had been the king of Israel for almost twenty years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the twentieth year (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“In year 20”
1 Kings 15:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty-one years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“41 years”
1 Kings 15:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was right in the eyes of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Asa’s actions. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh judges to be right” or “what Yahweh considers to be right”
1 Kings 15:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the cultic prostitutes (1)This probably refers to prostitutes who were associated with idol worship and who were all men. Alternate translation: “religious prostitutes” or “the prostitutes who worked for idols” or “male prostitutes”
1 Kings 15:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asa cut down the disgusting figure (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to cut down the figure. Alternate translation: “Asa caused the disgusting figure to be cut down” or “Asa made them cut down the disgusting figure”
1 Kings 15:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But the high places were not taken away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But Asa did not command the people to take away the high places”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asa’s heart was completely devoted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: “Asa was completely devoted”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all his days (1)Alternate translation: “the whole time that he lived” or “throughout his whole life”
1 Kings 15:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all their days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the entire time they reigned as kings. Alternate translation: “the whole time that they reigned over Judah and Israel”
1 Kings 15:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: acted aggressively against Judah (1)Alternate translation: “attacked Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: built up Ramah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the army of Baasha first captured Ramah. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “captured and fortified Ramah”
1 Kings 15:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He put it into the hands of his servants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Putting things in their hands represents giving those things to them. It is implied that they would do with it what he wanted them to do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “He entrusted it to his servants” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He said (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means he spoke by means of his servants. Asa told his servants what to say to Ben Hadad and they did. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Asa told his servants to say to Ben Hadad” or “Through his servants, Asa said to Ben Hadad” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
1 Kings 15:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let there be a covenant between me and you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A covenant being between two people represents those two people having a covenant with each other. Alternate translation: “Let us have a covenant with each other” or “Let us make a peace treaty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, I (1)Alternate translation: “As proof that I want a treaty with you, I”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Breaking a covenant represents canceling it and not doing what one has promised to do. Alternate translation: “Cancel your covenant with Baasha king of Israel” or “Do not be loyal to Baasha king of Israel as you promised in your covenant with him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Asa wanted Ben Hadad to attack Israel. Ben Hadad could only do that if he broke his covenant with the king of Israel. The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel, and attack Israel”
1 Kings 15:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about that (1)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he stopped building up Ramah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
King Baasha did this by telling his workers to do this. Alternate translation: “he had his workers stop building up Ramah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tirzah (1)This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
1 Kings 15:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No one was exempted (1)This can also be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Every one had to obey King Asa’s proclamation”
1 Kings 15:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:29. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.”
1 Kings 15:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asa slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sleeping here is a euphemism which represents dying. Alternate translation: “Asa died as his ancestors had” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried with them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him with his ancestors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David his father (1)The word “father” here refers to an ancestor. Alternate translation: “King David, his ancestor”
1 Kings 15:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the second year of Asa king of Judah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the second year of Asa’s reign. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “when Asa had been king of Judah for almost two years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he reigned over Israel two years (1)Alternate translation: “Nadab reigned over Israel two years”
1 Kings 15:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walked in the way of his father (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking here represents behaving. Alternate translation: “did the same things that his father had done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his own sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking in his own sin represents sinning in ways that were different from the ways that his father had sinned. Alternate translation: “he sinned in his own ways”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by which he led Israel to sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin”
1 Kings 15:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: conspired against Nadab (1)Alternate translation: “secretly plotted to kill King Nadab”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gibbethon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nadab and all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“The phrase “all Israel” is a generalization that represents the many soldiers of Israel. Alternate translation: “Nadab and the many soldiers of Israel” or “Nadab and the army of Israel” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were laying siege to Gibbethon (1)Alternate translation: “were surrounding Gibbethon, so that the people of Gibbethon would surrender to them”
1 Kings 15:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became king in his place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Nadab”
1 Kings 15:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baasha killed all the family of Jeroboam. He left none of Jeroboam’s descendants breathing. (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences mean the same thing and are combined to emphasize his descendents were all killed.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the family of Jeroboam (1)Jeroboam was King Nadab’s father.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He left none of Jeroboam’s descendants breathing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Breathing represents being alive. Alternate translation: “He left none of Jeroboam’s descendants living”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his royal line (1)Alternate translation: “Jeroboam’s royal line”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as Yahweh had spoken by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite (1)In 1 Kings 14:10 and 1 Kings 14:11 Yahweh spoke through his prophet Ahijah and told Jeroboam that he would destroy his family.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahijah the Shilonite (1)Alternate translation: “Ahijah, who was from Shiloh”
1 Kings 15:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the sins of Jeroboam which he committed and by which he led Israel to sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sins, you can express the same idea with the verb “sin.” Alternate translation: “because Jeroboam sinned and led Israel to sin in the same ways”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by which he led Israel to sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do something. Alternate translation: “by which he influenced Israel to sin”
1 Kings 15:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Nadab is in this other book. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in 1 Kings 14:29. This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
1 Kings 15:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all their days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the whole period of time that they reign as kings. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:16 Alternate translation: “the whole time that they reigned over Judah and Israel”
1 Kings 15:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tirzah (1)This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
1 Kings 15:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walked in the way of Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking here represents behaving. Alternate translation: “did the same things that Jeroboam had done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his sin by which he led Israel to sin (1)Possible meanings are that his and he refer to: (1) Baasha or (2) Jeroboam.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by which he led Israel to sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin”
1 Kings 16
1 Kings 16 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Incorrect worship
The prophet Jehu warned Baasha, king of Israel, that God would destroy his family for worshiping the idols. But Baasha did not change his ways; so Zimri murdered Baasha’s son and all his relatives. Then Omri killed Zimri. Omri’s son Ahab brought in the rain god Baal and his wife, the fertility goddess Ashtoreth, as the official religion of Israel. This was very evil. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
1 Kings 16:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message”
1 Kings 16:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Although I exalted you (1)This is God’s message that Jehu was to give to Baasha. The word “you” refers to Baasha.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I exalted you out of the dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“I raised you out of the dust.” Being in the dust on the ground represents not being important. Exalting someone represents making him important. Alternate translation: “I raised you from a very unimportant position” or “when you had no power or influence over people, I made you important”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have walked in the way of Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking represents behaving. Jeroboam and Baasha both sinned. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “you have done the same things that Jeroboam did” or “you have sinned as Jeroboam sinned” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
1 Kings 16:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, I will completely sweep away Baasha and his family (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking to Baasha, and the phrase “his family” refers to Baasha’s family. This can be translated using the words “you” and “your.” Alternate translation: “Listen, Baasha. I will completely sweep away you and your family”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will completely sweep away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sweeping away represents destroying. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy”
1 Kings 16:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Baasha is in this other book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
1 Kings 16:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baasha slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sleeping is a euphemism that represents dying. Alternate translation: “Baasha died as his ancestors had” or “Like his ancestors, Baasha died” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people buried him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tirzah (1)This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became king in his place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Baasha”
1 Kings 16:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the evil that he did in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “all the things that Baasha that are evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “all the things that Baaha did that Yahweh considers to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so as to provoke him to anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you can express the same idea with the adjective “angry.” Alternate translation: “so as to make Yahweh very angry” or “that made God very angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the work of his hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Basha is represented by his “hands.” This speaks of all of his actions as his “work.” Alternate translation: “by the things Baasha had done”
1 Kings 16:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tirzah (1)This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
1 Kings 16:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His servant Zimri (1)Alternate translation: “Elah’s servant Zimri”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: captain of half his chariots (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “chariots” here represents the soldiers who drove the chariots. Alternate translation: “captain of half his chariot drivers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: drinking himself drunk (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “drinking so much wine that he was getting drunk” or “getting drunk”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who was over the household (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being over the household represents being in charge of the things in King Elah’s house. Alternate translation: “who was in charge of the things in the Elah’s house”
1 Kings 16:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: attacked him and killed him (1)Alternate translation: “attacked and killed Elah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became king in his place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Elah”
1 Kings 16:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He did not leave alive a single male (1)This means that he killed all the men and boys. Alternate translation: “He did not leave even one male alive”
1 Kings 16:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which he spoke against Baasha by Jehu the prophet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Speaking “by” a prophet represents telling a prophet to speak and the prophet speaking. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh told Jehu the prophet to speak against Baasha”
1 Kings 16:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had led Israel to sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “they had influenced Israel to sin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had led Israel to sin (1)Here the word “Israel” refers to the ten northern tribes of Israel. Baasha and Elah had been their king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they provoked Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their idols (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
God became angry with the people because they worshiped idols. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “they made Yahweh, the God of Israel, angry because they worshiped idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Israel (1)Here the word “Israel” refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.
1 Kings 16:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written … kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Elah is in this other book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written … Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
1 Kings 16:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tirzah (1)This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the army was camped by Gibbethon (1)The word “army” refers to the army of the kingdom of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gibbethon (1)This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 15:27.
1 Kings 16:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The army camped there heard it said (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The soldiers who camped there heard someone say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Both times this phrase is used, it represents the army of Israel. Here the word “all” is a generalization meaning “most.” Alternate translation: “all the army of Israel” or “most of the soldiers in the army of Israel” or “the army of Israel” (See also: Hyperbole)
1 Kings 16:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that the city had been taken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Omri and the army had taken the city”
1 Kings 16:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walking in the way of Jeroboam (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here walking represents behaving. Alternate translation: “doing the same things that Jeroboam had done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so as to lead Israel to sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “so as to influence Israel to sin”
1 Kings 16:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the treason that he carried out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This treason refers to Zimri’s plot to kill Elah, the king of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “how he plotted against King Elah” or “how he killed the king of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Zimri is in this other book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in 1 Kings 14:29. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written … Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
1 Kings 16:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: followed Tibni … followed Omri (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “followed” represents supporting or wanting to make him king. Alternate translation: “supported Tibni son of Ginath, to make him king, and half supported Omri” or “wanted to make Tibni son of Ginath king, and half wanted to make Omri king”
1 Kings 16:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were stronger than the people who followed Tibni (1)Alternate translation: “overpowered the people who followed Tibni”
1 Kings 16:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tirzah (1)This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
1 Kings 16:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shemer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two talents of silver (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “about 66 kilograms of silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built a city (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “He” refers to Omri. He commanded people to build the city. Alternate translation: “Omri had his people build a city” or “Omri commanded and his workers built a city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: after the name of Shemer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means “to honor Shemer” or “so that people would remember Shemer.”
1 Kings 16:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil”
1 Kings 16:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking represents behaving. Alternate translation: “did all the same things that Jeroboam son of Nebat did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his sins by which he led Israel to sin (1)Possible meanings are that his and he refer to: (1) Baasha or (2) Jeroboam.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his sins (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings are walking in his sins represents: (1) sinning as Jeroboam sinned. Alternate translation: “he sinned as Jeroboam sinned” or (2) or sinning habitually. Alternate translation: “he sinned habitually”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by which he led Israel to sin (1)Leading people to sin represents influencing them to sin. Alternate translation: “his sins, by which he influenced Israel to sin” or “and by sinning like this, he influenced people to sin.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to provoke Yahweh … to be angry with their worthless idols (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
God became angry with the people because they worshiped idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 16:13. Alternate translation: “to make Yahweh, the God of Israel, angry because they worshiped worthless idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their worthless idols (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish
The word “worthless” here reminds people that idols are worthless because they cannot do anything. Alternate translation: “their idols, which are worthless” or “their idols, which are useless”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Israel (1)Here the word “Israel” refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.
1 Kings 16:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Omri is in this other book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written … Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.”
1 Kings 16:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Omri slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The euphemism “sleeping” here represents dying. Alternate translation: “Omri died as his ancestors had” or “Like his ancestors, Omri died” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became king in his place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Omri”
1 Kings 16:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil”
1 Kings 16:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was to Ahab a trivial thing to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that Ahab wanted to commit worse sins. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “It was as if Ahab thought that walking in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat was not enough”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was to Ahab a trivial thing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. The phrase “to Ahab” means that Ahab considered or thought something. Alternate translation: “Ahab considered it a trivial thing” or “Ahab thought that it was not enough”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a trivial thing (1)Alternate translation: “an insignificant thing” or “not enough”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking in Jeroboam’s sins represents sinning as Jeroboam had sinned. Alternate translation: “to sin as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: worshiped Baal and bowed down to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase “bowed down to him” describes the posture that people used in worship.
1 Kings 16:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Israel (1)Here the word “Israel” refers to the nation of Israel, which consisted of twelve tribes.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the kings of Israel (1)Here the word “Israel” refers to the kingdom of Israel, which consisted of ten tribes.
1 Kings 16:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the cost of the life of Abiram, his firstborn son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The consequence of building the city is spoken of as if it were a cost that Hiel paid. Alternate translation: “and the consequence of his sin was that Abiram, his firstborn son, died”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Segub, his youngest son, lost his life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Dying is spoken of as if he lost his life. Alternate translation: “Segub, his youngest son, died”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: while he was building the gates of the city (1)Alternate translation: “while Hiel was building the gates of the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in keeping with the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “according to the word of Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which he spoke by Joshua son of Nun (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Speaking “by” someone represents both telling someone to speak and the person doing it. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh caused Joshua son of Nun to speak”
1 Kings 17
1 Kings 17 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This is the beginning of the story of Elijah. (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2)
Special concepts in this chapter
Baal worship
Ahab had introduced the worship of Baal, the god people thought brought rain, to Israel. Because of this, God caused a drought. Elijah told Ahab that it would not rain or dew until he, Elijah, said so. Elijah had to hide so Ahab would not kill him for bringing the drought. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)
1 Kings 17:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Tishbite (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group from Tishbe.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tishbe (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh, the God of Israel lives (1)This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before whom I stand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means “to serve.” Alternate translation: “whom I serve”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dew (1)drops of water that form on the plants during the night
1 Kings 17:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message”
1 Kings 17:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kerith (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a very small stream.
1 Kings 17:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will happen that (1)This phrase is used to introduce how Yahweh will take care of Elijah during the drought. Alternate translation: “There”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ravens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
large, black birds
1 Kings 17:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as the word of Yahweh commanded (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the word” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “as Yahweh commanded”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the brook Kerith (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a very small stream. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 17:2.
1 Kings 17:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the land (1)Alternate translation: “in that area” or “in that country”
1 Kings 17:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came to him (1)Here the word “him” refers to Elijah.
1 Kings 17:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zarephath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a town.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, I (1)Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I”
1 Kings 17:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh your God lives (1)This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what she will say is true.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: only a handful of meal (1)Alternate translation: “only a little bit of meal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: meal (1)“flour.” This what is used to make bread.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, I (1)Alternate translation: “Let me tell you what I am doing: I”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two sticks (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
This may refer to two sticks or to only a few sticks.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that we may eat it, and die (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they will die because they do not have anymore food. Alternate translation: “that we may eat. Afterwards, we will starve to death”
1 Kings 17:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: afterward make some for you and for your son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implicit that there would be enough flour and oil to make more bread.
1 Kings 17:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh sends rain (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means Yahweh causes it to rain. Alternate translation: “Yahweh causes rain to fall”
1 Kings 17:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She and Elijah, along with her household, ate for many days (1)In the original language it says, “And she and he and her household ate for many days.” It is unclear who “he” is. This could mean: (1) Elijah, the widow, and her son ate for many days or (2) the widow, her son, and everyone living in her house ate for many days or (3) Elijah, the widow, and everyone living in her house ate for many days.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: along with her household (1)Possible meanings for household are: (1) this refers only to the widow’s son or (2) this refers to other people who live in her house but are not named in the story or (3) this refers to her son and others living in her house.
1 Kings 17:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as the word of Yahweh had said (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “word” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had said”
1 Kings 17:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the woman’s son, the woman who owned the house (1)Alternate translation: “the son of the woman who owned the house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there was no more breath left in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of saying the boy died. Alternate translation: “he stopped breathing” or “he died”
1 Kings 17:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: man of God (1)The phrase “man of God” is another title for a prophet.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of my sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This means sins in general not a specific sin. Alternate translation: “of my sins”
1 Kings 17:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where he was staying (1)Here “he” refers to Elijah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on his own bed (1)Here “his” refers to Elijah.
1 Kings 17:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have you also brought disaster on the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This could mean: (1) Elijah is truly asking a question. Alternate translation: “why would you cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son” or (2) Elijah uses a question to express how sad he is. Alternate translation: “surely, you would not cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have you also brought disaster on the widow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Causing the widow to suffer is spoken of as if “disaster” were an object that is placed on the widow.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: also brought disaster (1)Here “also” means in addition to the disaster that the drought has caused.
1 Kings 17:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stretched himself on the child (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “lay on top of the child”
1 Kings 17:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh listened to the voice of Elijah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “voice” represents what Elijah prayed. Alternate translation: “Yahweh answered Elijah’s prayer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the life of the child returned to him, and he revived (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “the child came back to life” or “the child lived again”
1 Kings 17:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his room (1)Here “his” refers to Elijah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, your son is alive (1)The word “See” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
1 Kings 17:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh in your mouth is true (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“the message of Yahweh in your mouth is true.” The word “mouth” represents what Elijah said. Alternate translation: “the message that you spoke from Yahweh is true”
1 Kings 18
1 Kings 18 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Baal
God proved himself to all the people of Israel. Elijah went to meet Ahab. He told Ahab to bring the 450 prophets of Baal and all the people to Mount Carmel. Then he proposed an experiment, which was carried out. The prophets of Baal took one bull, killed them, cut them up, and placed them on wood on an altar without lighting the fire. The prophets of Baal danced and prayed to Baal all morning and half the afternoon. After they were exhausted, Elijah built his altar and drenched it with water. Then he prayed. God answered his prayer with fire that burned up the sacrifice, the altar and the water. Then Elijah told the people to seize the prophets of Baal and kill them. After that, Elijah prayed for rain, and it rained very hard. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Humor
Elijah insults the false god Baal. He states, “Perhaps he is thinking, or is relieving himself, or he is traveling on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” Baal was too busy in the bathroom to answer the prophets. “Relieving himself” is a euphemism. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and Euphemism)
1 Kings 18:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his word”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: send rain on the land (1)Alternate translation: “cause rain to fall on the land”
1 Kings 18:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: now the famine was severe (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
The word “now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer tells background information about how the famine had affected Samaria.
1 Kings 18:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now Obadiah honored Yahweh (1)The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer tells about a new person in the story.
1 Kings 18:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred prophets and hid them by fifties (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“100 prophets and hid them in groups of 50”
1 Kings 18:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: save the horses and mules alive … not lose all the animals (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “prevent the horses and mules from dying”
1 Kings 18:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahab went one way by himself and Obadiah went another way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase “by himself” emphasizes that Ahab and Obadiah went in separate directions, not necessarily that no one was with Ahab. Alternate translation: “Ahab lead a team in one direction and Obadiah lead a team in the other direction”
1 Kings 18:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: master Elijah (1)Here the word “master” is used as a term of respect.
1 Kings 18:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Go tell your master, ‘Look, Elijah is here.’ (1)Here the word “master” refers to Ahab.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, Elijah (1)Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Elijah”
1 Kings 18:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How have I sinned … for him to kill me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Obadiah asks this question to emphasize the danger to himself because of King Ahab’s anger at Elijah. Alternate translation: “I have not wronged you … for him to kill me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give your servant into the hand of Ahab (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Hand” is metonymy for power and control. Alternate translation: “deliver your servant to Ahab”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)Obadiah refers to himself as Elijah’s servant in order to honor Elijah.
1 Kings 18:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh your God lives (1)This is an oath used to emphasize that what he is saying is true.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no nation or kingdom where my master has not sent men (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “no nation or kingdom” is an exaggeration that means that men have traveled very far and gone to many places to find Elijah. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “my master has sent men to nations and kingdoms near and far” (See also: Double Negatives)
1 Kings 18:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yet now (1)This phrase is used to emphasize the danger in what Elijah is telling Obadiah to do.
1 Kings 18:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Has it not been told to you … with bread and water? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Surely you have been told about what I did … with bread and water!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my master (1)Here the word “master” is a term of respect used to refer to Elijah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred of Yahweh’s prophets by fifties (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“100 of Yahweh’s prophets in groups of 50”
1 Kings 18:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Go and tell your master that Elijah is here (1)See how you translated these words in 1 Kings 18:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your master (1)Here “master” refers to King Ahab.
1 Kings 18:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh of hosts lives (1)This is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before whom I stand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “stand before” is an idiom for being in someone’s presence and ready to serve him. Alternate translation: “whom I serve”
1 Kings 18:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: told him what Elijah said (1)Alternate translation: “Obadiah told Ahab what Elijah had told him to say”
1 Kings 18:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is it you? You are the one who brings trouble to Israel! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Ahab asks the question for emphasis to be certain about Elijah’s identity. Alternate translation: “So here you are. You are the troublemaker of Israel!”
1 Kings 18:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization to refer to the leaders and people who represent the ten tribes of the northern kingdom. (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 450 prophets (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“four hundred and fifty prophets”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four hundred prophets (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“400 prophets”
1 Kings 18:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sent word to … and gathered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Word” represents Ahab’s message and is also a metonym for the messenger who delivered the message. This is a common statement used with the meaning understood. Alternate translation: “sent a message to … and gathered” or “sent a messenger to summon … to gather” (See also: Metonymy and Idiom)
1 Kings 18:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will you keep changing your mind? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elijah asks this question to urge the people to make a decision. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have been indecisive for long enough.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not answer him a word (1)Alternate translation: “did not say anything” or “were silent”
1 Kings 18:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I, I alone, am left (1)The word “I” is repeated for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 450 men (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“four hundred and fifty men”
1 Kings 18:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call on the name of your god … call on the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Name” is metonymy for the reputation and honor of someone and “calling on” him represents an appeal. Alternate translation: “call to your god … call to Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the people answered and said, “This is good.” (1)Alternate translation: “all the people said, ‘This is a good thing to do.’”
1 Kings 18:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prepare it (1)Alternate translation: “make it ready to be sacrificed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are many people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here the word “you” is plural.
1 Kings 18:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They took the bull (1)Alternate translation: “The prophets of Baal took the bull”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bull that was given to them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the bull that someone gave them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But there was no voice, nor anyone who answered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that there was no one to respond to the prayers of the false prophets. The word “voice” represents someone speaking. Alternate translation: “But Baal did not say or do anything” (See also: Synecdoche)
1 Kings 18:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Perhaps he is thinking (1)Alternate translation: “Maybe he is thinking” or “It could be that he is thinking”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: relieving himself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This euphemism is a more pleasant way to express a harsh statement. Elijah uses understatement to insult Baal with sarcasm. Alternate translation: “in the bathroom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: must be awakened (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must awaken him” or “you must wake him up”
1 Kings 18:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were still raving (1)“they continued their wild behavior.” Prophets often acted in ways that seemed unusual or even crazy. In this case they were calling on Baal while dancing, shouting loudly, and cutting themselves with knives.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of offering of the evening sacrifice (1)Alternate translation: “to offer the evening sacrifice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but there was no voice or anyone to answer; there was no one who paid any attention to their pleadings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that no one responded to the prayers of the false prophets. Alternate translation: “but Baal did not say or do anything or even pay attention” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there was no voice or anyone to answer (1)See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:26.
1 Kings 18:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twelve stones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“12 stones”
1 Kings 18:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Name” here is a metonym for honor and reputation. This could mean: (1) “to honor Yahweh” or (2) “with the authority of Yahweh.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trench (1)a small waterway to hold water
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two seahs of seeds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
A seah is a unit of volume equal to about 7.7 liters. Alternate translation: “about 15 liters of seeds”
1 Kings 18:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He arranged the wood for a fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
“On the altar” where he placed the wood is assumed in this sentence. Alternate translation: “He put the wood for a fire on the altar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four jars (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“4 jars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: jars (1)A jar is a container for water.
1 Kings 18:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trench (1)See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:30.
1 Kings 18:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It happened (1)This phrase is used here to reference a significant and meaningful time of the day in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel (1)Here “Israel” is referring to Jacob. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Genesis 32:28), and God named the nation of Jacob’s descendants “Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let it be known this day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “make these people know today”
1 Kings 18:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hear me … hear me (1)This phrase is repeated to emphasize the appeal of Elijah to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned their heart back again to yourself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The people’s “heart” is a metonym for the affection and loyalty of the people. Alternate translation: “caused them to be loyal to you again”
1 Kings 18:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fire of Yahweh fell (1)Alternate translation: “the fire of Yahweh came down”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: licked up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The fire is compared to a thirsty person drinking water.
1 Kings 18:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh, he is God! Yahweh, he is God! (1)This phrase is repeated for emphasis.
1 Kings 18:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is the sound of much rain (1)Alternate translation: “it sounds like it is going to rain a lot”
1 Kings 18:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees (1)This describes a posture used for praying.
1 Kings 18:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven times (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
The word “seven” can be rendered as the numeral “7.” Alternate translation: “7 times”
1 Kings 18:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as small as a man’s hand (1)From a long distance, the cloud could be covered from sight by a man’s hand.
1 Kings 18:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It happened (1)This phrase is used here to mark where a new step in the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
1 Kings 18:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” is a metonym for strength. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave his power to Elijah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tucked his robe in his belt (1)Elijah wrapped his long robe around his waist so that his legs would be free for running.
1 Kings 19
1 Kings 19 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
The queen was angry that Elijah had killed her prophets of Baal. She promised to kill Elijah. Elijah fled south into the desert south of Judah. He traveled on to Mount Horeb also known as Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. God asked him why he was there. He said he had come to Mount Horeb because Israel had deserted God, killed his prophets, and wanted to kill him. God sent him home to make Hazael the king of Aram, Jehu the king of Israel, and Elisha as the prophet in his place. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and promise, promised)
1 Kings 19:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So may the gods do to me, and more also (1)This is a comparison used as an emphatic oath. “May the gods kill me and do even more bad things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I do not make your life like the life of one of those dead prophets (1)Alternate translation: “if I do not kill you like you killed those prophets”
1 Kings 19:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he arose (1)Alternate translation: “he stood up”
1 Kings 19:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he himself went a day’s journey (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The word “himself” is used to emphasize that he was alone. Alternate translation: “he walked by himself for a day”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: broom tree (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A “broom tree” is a plant that grows in the desert.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He requested for himself that he might die (1)Alternate translation: “He prayed that he would die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is enough, now, Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “These troubles are too much for me, Yahweh”
1 Kings 19:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bread that had been baked on coals (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “bread that someone had cooked on hot stones”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: jug of water (1)Alternate translation: “a container of water”
1 Kings 19:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be too much for you (1)Alternate translation: “will be too difficult for you.”
1 Kings 19:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he traveled in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“that food gave him energy to travel for 40 days and 40 nights”
1 Kings 19:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to a cave there (1)Here the word “there” refers to Mount Horeb. A cave is an opening in a mountainside that leads to a natural room or rooms underground.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came to him and said to him, “What (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “The word of Yahweh came to,” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to him. He said, ‘What” or “Yahweh spoke this message to him: ‘What”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What are you doing here, Elijah? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Elijah and to remind him of his duty. Alternate translation: “This is not where you should be, Elijah.”
1 Kings 19:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I, only I, am left (1)Here the word “I” is repeated for emphasis.
1 Kings 19:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the mountain before me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Before me” here is an idiom for standing in front of someone. Alternate translation: “on the mountain in my presence”
1 Kings 19:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he wrapped his face in his cloak (1)“he covered his face with his cloak” A cloak is a long robe, a piece of clothing that covers the whole body.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then a voice came to him (1)Alternate translation: “Then he heard a voice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What are you doing here, Elijah? (1)See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:9.
1 Kings 19:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elijah replied, “I have been very zealous … and they are also trying to take my life.” (1)See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:10.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I, only I, am left (1)Here the word “I” is repeated for emphasis.
1 Kings 19:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prophet in your place (1)Alternate translation: “prophet instead of you”
1 Kings 19:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will happen (1)This phrase is used to introduce what will happen when Elijah does what Yahweh has told him to do. “What will happen is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Sword” is metonymy for killing as in battle. Alternate translation: “whomever Hazael does not kill with the sword”
1 Kings 19:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will leave for myself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
Here the words “I” and “myself” refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will save from death”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven thousand people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“7,000 people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose knees have not bent down to Baal, and whose mouths have not kissed him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Bending down” and “kissing” are metonymies for actions people did to worship idols. They are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “who have not bowed down and kissed Baal” or “who have not worshiped Baal” (See also: Parallelism)
1 Kings 19:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shaphat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twelve yoke of oxen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“12 yoke of oxen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he himself was plowing with the twelfth yoke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The word “himself” indicates that Elisha was plowing with the last yoke, while other men were plowing with the other eleven yokes. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
1 Kings 19:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he said, “Please (1)The word “he” refers to Elisha.
1 Kings 19:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he gave it to the people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elisha gave the cooked meat to the people of his city.
1 Kings 20
1 Kings 20 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This is a story of two battles between Aram and Israel.
Special concepts in this chapter
Battle
God had chosen to defeat Ben Hadad, king of Aram. So when he attacked Samaria with a huge army, the tiny army of Israel defeated him. The people of Aram said that Yahweh was the god of the hills, but they could defeat Israel on the plains. So they came again but Israel defeated them again. Then Ben Hadad offered a peace plan and Ahab accepted. But God had wanted him to kill Ben Hadad and was angry at Ahab for making peace with him.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Simile
There were so few Israel soldiers that they were “like two little flocks of goats.” (See: Simile)
1 Kings 20:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben Hadad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty-two lesser kings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“32 lesser kings”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lesser kings (1)Alternate translation: “kings ruling smaller groups of people”
1 Kings 20:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is as you say (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom to express agreement. Alternate translation: “I agree with you”
1 Kings 20:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tomorrow about this time (1)Alternate translation: “tomorrow at the same time of day that it is now”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whatever pleases their eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the “eyes” represent the whole person and emphasize them looking at something and desiring it. Alternate translation: “whatever pleases them”
1 Kings 20:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“The land” represents all the people living there. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take note and see (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Take note” here is an idiom to observe carefully. Alternate translation: “pay close attention to”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not refused him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I have agreed to his demands”
1 Kings 20:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the gods do so to me and more also (1)This is an oath with great emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 19:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if even the ashes of Samaria will be enough for all the people who follow me to have a handful each (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ben Hadad is threatening that his army will totally destroy everything in Samaria.
1 Kings 20:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tell Ben Hadad, ‘No one who is just putting on his armor … as if he were taking it off.’ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs
This is an expression to give advice. “Putting on armor” is metonymy for getting prepared for battle. “Tell Ben Hadad, ‘Do not boast as if you have already won a battle that you have not yet fought.’” (See also: Metonymy)
1 Kings 20:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then behold (1)The word “behold” alerts us to the sudden appearance of a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you seen this great army? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this question to emphasize the size and strength of Ben Hadad’s army. Alternate translation: “Look at this great army.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, I will place it into your hand today (1)The word “Look” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: place it into your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “give you victory over that army”
1 Kings 20:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By whom? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Ahab leaves out the words ‘will you do this’ Alternate translation: “By whom will you do this?”
1 Kings 20:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahab mustered the young officers (1)Alternate translation: “Ahab assembled the young officers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the soldiers, all the army of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven thousand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“7,000”
1 Kings 20:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They went out (1)Here the word “They” refers to the Israelite army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty-two lesser kings (1)See how you translated this in 1 Kings 20:1.
1 Kings 20:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben Hadad was informed by scouts that he had sent out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “Scouts that Ben Hadad had sent out informed him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scouts (1)A “scout” is a soldier sent to gather information about the enemy.
1 Kings 20:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ben Hadad said (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is understood that Ben Hadad is speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Ben Hadad said to his soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Whether they have … take them (1)Here “they” and “them” refer to the Israelite army.
1 Kings 20:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So the young officers … the army followed (1)Alternate translation: “The young Israelite officers … the Israelite army followed”
1 Kings 20:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel pursued them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Israel” is synecdoche for all the soldiers of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “the men of the army of Israel pursued them”
1 Kings 20:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king of Israel went out and attacked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“The king” is synecdoche for the king and all the soldiers serving under him. Alternate translation: “The king of Israel and his soldiers went out and attacked”
1 Kings 20:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strengthen yourself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Yourself” represents by metonymy the army of the king. Alternate translation: “strengthen your forces”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: understand and plan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “determine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the return of the year (1)This could mean: (1) “in the springtime of next year” or (2) “at this time next year.”
1 Kings 20:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let us fight … we will be stronger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The words “us” and “we” refer to the servants, the king, and the army all together.
1 Kings 20:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Remove all the kings from their positions of authority (1)Alternate translation: “You must remove the thirty-two kings who are leading your troops”
1 Kings 20:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aphek (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to fight against Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Israel” represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “to fight against the army of Israel”
1 Kings 20:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The people of Israel were mustered and supplied (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Israelite army also gathered together, and the commanders gave the arms that they needed for the battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like two little flocks of goats (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile compares the Israelite army to two little flocks of goats. Alternate translation: “The Israelite army appeared to be small and weak like two flocks of goats”
1 Kings 20:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a man of God (1)This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: “a prophet”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: place this great army into your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “give you victory over this great army”
1 Kings 20:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“7 days”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 100,000 (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred thousand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: footmen (1)A “footman” is a soldier who marches on foot.
1 Kings 20:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The rest fled to Aphek (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The expression “the rest” assumes the words “of the Aramean soldiers.” Alternate translation: “The rest of the Aramean soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aphek (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-seven thousand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“27,000”
1 Kings 20:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look now (1)This emphasizes what they will say. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what we are about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads (1)This was a sign of surrender.
1 Kings 20:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is he still alive? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Ahab asks this question to express surprise. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that he is still alive!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He is my brother (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“My brother” here is a metaphor for somebody who is a good friend. Alternate translation: “He is like a brother to me” or “He is like family”
1 Kings 20:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now the men (1)The word “Now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for any sign from Ahab (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Sign” is metonymy for an action that gives a meaning. Alternate translation: “for any action from Ahab that would show them that Ahab wanted to be merciful”
1 Kings 20:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one of the sons of the prophets (1)Alternate translation: “a member of the group of prophets”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”
1 Kings 20:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“The voice” is metonymy for what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: “you have not obeyed Yahweh”
1 Kings 20:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your servant went out (1)The prophet refers to himself in the third person as a sign of respect to the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the heat of the battle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Heat of the battle” here is an idiom to express the most intense and fierce fighting. Alternate translation: “to where the battle was most intense”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your life will be given for his life (1)Alternate translation: “you will die in his place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a talent of silver (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “33 kilograms of silver”
1 Kings 20:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: going here and there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom to represent being very busy and preoccupied. Alternate translation: “doing other things” or “doing this and that”
1 Kings 20:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let go from your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” is metonymy for power. Alternate translation: “released” or “spared the life of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your life will take the place of his life, and your people for his people (1)Alternate translation: “you will die in his place, and your people will die in the place of his people”
1 Kings 21
1 Kings 21 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
God hates oppression but is forgiving to people who are sorry for their sins. Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard to make into a garden for his palace, but Naboth refused to sell it. So the queen, Ahab’s wife, told the civic leaders of Naboth’s town to falsely accuse him and execute him. Elijah told Ahab that he would be killed in Naboth’s vineyard and all his family destroyed. Ahab repented and showed he was very sorry for what he did, so God said it would not happen to Ahab himself but to his son. (See: INVALID bible/other/oppress, forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance)
1 Kings 21:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now some time later (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story and indicates that these events happened later, not that Naboth owned the vineyard later. If your language has a way marking the beginning of a new part of a story, you could consider using it here. Alternate translation: “Now this is what happened later”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Naboth the Jezreelite (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man from Jezreel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: king of Samaria (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Samaria” was the capital city of the kingdom of Israel and here represents the entire nation. Alternate translation: “king of Israel”
1 Kings 21:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May Yahweh forbid that I should give (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase is an oath that emphasizes that what follows will not happen. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh forbids it, I will never give”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give the inheritance of my ancestors to you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that his ancestors received as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance. Alternate translation: “give to you the land that my ancestors received as an inheritance”
1 Kings 21:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why is your heart so sad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: “Why are you so sad”
1 Kings 21:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you not still rule the kingdom of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jezebel uses this negative rhetorical question to rebuke Ahab. It can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “You still rule the kingdom of Israel!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your heart be happy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: “be happy” or “cheer up”
1 Kings 21:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wrote letters in Ahab’s name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) she wrote Ahab’s name on the letters. Alternate translation: “wrote letters and signed them with Ahab’s name” or (2) the word “name” is a metonym for authority. Alternate translation: “wrote letters on behalf of Ahab”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wealthy who sat with him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The word “wealthy” refers to wealthy people. Alternate translation: “the wealthy people who sat with Naboth”
1 Kings 21:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seat Naboth above the people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. Alternate translation: “have Naboth sit in a place of honor among the people”
1 Kings 21:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them testify against him (1)Alternate translation: “have them accuse him”
1 Kings 21:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wealthy who lived in Naboth’s city (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The word “wealthy” refers to wealthy people. Alternate translation: “the wealthy people who lived in Naboth’s city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as was written in the letters (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as she had written in the letters”
1 Kings 21:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seated Naboth above the people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. See how you translated this idea in 1 Kings 21:9. Alternate translation: “had Naboth sit in a place of honor among the people”
1 Kings 21:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sat before Naboth (1)Alternate translation: “sat in front of Naboth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they carried him out (1)Here the word “they” refers to the people of the city.
1 Kings 21:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Naboth has been stoned and is dead (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We have stoned Naboth and he is dead”
1 Kings 21:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that Naboth had been stoned and was dead (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the people had stoned Naboth and he was dead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Naboth is not alive, but dead. (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize Jezebel’s statement. Alternate translation: “Naboth is dead!”
1 Kings 21:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke”
1 Kings 21:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you killed and also taken possession? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this question to scold Ahab. Alternate translation: “You have killed Naboth and stolen his vineyard!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your blood, yes, your blood (1)This is repeated for emphasis.
1 Kings 21:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you found me, my enemy? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Ahab uses this question to express anger toward Elijah. That Elijah “found” Ahab likely refers to Elijah discovering Ahab’s actions, not to finding his physical location. Alternate translation: “You have found me, my enemy!” or “You have discovered what I have done, my enemy!” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have sold yourself to do what is evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. Alternate translation: “you have dedicated yourself to doing what is evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what is evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase, “in the sight of” refers to someone’s opinion. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:6. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considers to be evil”
1 Kings 21:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (1)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: completely consume and cut off from you every male child and slave and free man in Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of destroying Ahab’s family and preventing him from having any decedents as if he were consuming these people like a fire would consume them, and cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy every one of your male children in Israel, whether slave or free”
1 Kings 21:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make your family like the family of Jeroboam … and like the family of Baasha (1)Yahweh will destroy Ahab’s family like he destroyed the families of Jeroboam and Baasha.
1 Kings 21:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Anyone who belongs to Ahab (1)Alternate translation: “Anyone who belongs to Ahab’s family”
1 Kings 21:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who sold himself to do what was evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. See how you translated this idea in 1 Kings 21:20. Alternate translation: “who dedicated himself to doing what was evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase, “in the sight of” refers to someone’s opinion. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:6. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considers to be evil”
1 Kings 21:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: removed before the people of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “Israel” refers to all twelve tribes of Israel and not just to the northern kingdom. Alternate translation: “removed from the presence of the people of Israel” or “drove out of the land before the people of Israel”
1 Kings 21:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke”
1 Kings 21:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you see how Ahab humbles himself before me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses this question to show Elijah that Ahab’s sorrow is genuine. Alternate translation: “I have seen how Ahab humbles himself before me.” or “Look at how Ahab humbles himself before me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his days … in his son’s day (1)Alternate translation: “during his lifetime … during his son’s lifetime”
1 Kings 22
1 Kings 22 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This is the end of the story of Ahab and a continuation of the story of Elijah as he had predicted Ahab’s death and the dogs licking his blood.
Special concepts in this chapter
When God has decided a person will die, then they cannot avoid death. Ahab persuaded Jehoshaphat, king of Judah to help him in a battle against the army of Aram. Ahab’s false prophets all told him to go because he would be successful. But a randomly shot arrow hit him and he bled to death. They washed his chariot at the pool and the dogs licked up his blood, just as Elijah had said they would. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
“However, the shrines were still not taken away. The people were still sacrificing and burning incense at the shrines.”
At the shrines, the people worshiped Yahweh. But later, during Hezekiah’s reign it was decided that all sacrifices must be made only at the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)
1 Kings 22:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Three years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“3 years”
1 Kings 22:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it came about that (1)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
1 Kings 22:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you know that Ramoth Gilead is ours, but that we are doing nothing to take it from the hand of the king of Aram? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Ahab asks this question to emphasize that they should have already recaptured Ramoth Gilead. Alternate translation: “Ramoth Gilead is ours, but we have done nothing yet to take it from the hand of the king of Aram.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to take it from the hand of the king of Aram (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “to take it from the control of the king of Aram”
1 Kings 22:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am like you, my people are like your people, and my horses are like your horses (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Jehoshaphat tells Ahab that he, his people, and his horses belong to Ahab, meaning that Ahab can command them as he pleases. Alternate translation: “I, my soldiers, and my horses are yours to use in any way you want”
1 Kings 22:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four hundred men (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“400 men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “for the Lord will allow the king to capture Ramoth Gilead”
1 Kings 22:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the king not say that (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Jehoshaphat refers to Ahab in the third person to show respect for him. Alternate translation: “You should not say that”
1 Kings 22:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made himself horns of iron (1)Alternate translation: “made iron horns for himself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With these you will push the Arameans until they are consumed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The prophet’s actions are a symbolic metaphor that illustrates the way that Ahab would defeat the Arameans. Ahab’s army will win with great strength, as a bull attacks another animal. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until they are consumed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Destroying an enemy army is spoken of as if it were consuming them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until you consume them” or “until you destroy them” (See also: Active or Passive)
1 Kings 22:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: given it into the hand of the king (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “allowed the king to capture it”
1 Kings 22:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now look (1)Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words of the prophets declare good things to the king with one mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The prophets all saying the same thing is spoken of as if they all spoke with the same mouth. Alternate translation: “the prophets all declare the same good things to the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your word be like one of them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the word “them” refers to “the words of the prophets.” Alternate translation: “let what you say agree with what they have said”
1 Kings 22:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: should we go (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “we” refers to Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and their armies but not to Micaiah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will give it into the hand of the king (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “will allow the king to capture it”
1 Kings 22:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How many times must I require … in the name of Yahweh? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: “Many times I have required … in the name of Yahweh.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” refers to authority. Alternate translation: “as the representative of Yahweh”
1 Kings 22:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I saw all Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “all Israel” refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “I saw the entire army of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like sheep who have no shepherd (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people of the army are compared to sheep that have no one to lead them because their shepherd, the king, has died.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These have no shepherd (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the king as if he were a shepherd. Just like a shepherd is responsible to care for and protect his sheep, the king is responsible to lead and protect his people. Alternate translation: “These people no longer have a leader”
1 Kings 22:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Did I not tell you … but only disaster? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate translation: “I told you … but only disaster!”
1 Kings 22:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fall at Ramoth Gilead (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate translation: “die at Ramoth Gilead” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: One of them said … and another one said (1)“One … and another” refers to two or more angels in the heavenly host who were responding to Yahweh’s question in the previous verse.
1 Kings 22:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “spirit” refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words “the mouth” represents what they will say. Alternate translation: “cause all his prophets to speak lies”
1 Kings 22:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: see (1)Alternate translation: “pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “spirit” refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words “the mouth” represents what they will say. Alternate translation: “has caused all of your prophets to speak lies”
1 Kings 22:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh take to go from me to speak to you? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zedekiah asks this sarcastic question to insult and rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: “Do not think that Yahweh’s Spirit left me to speak to you!”
1 Kings 22:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (1)Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will see (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“you will know the answer to your question.” If Zedekiah’s rhetorical question is translated as a statement, this phrase may be translated to supply implicit information. Alternate translation: “you will know that the Spirit of Yahweh has spoken to me”
1 Kings 22:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If you return safely (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This describes something that would not happen. Yahweh had already told Micaiah that the king would not return safely.
1 Kings 22:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the kings represent themselves accompanied by their armies. Alternate translation: “Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah led their armies up”
1 Kings 22:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disguise (1)This means to change the usual appearance so as not to be identified.
1 Kings 22:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty-two captains (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“32 captains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not attack unimportant or important soldiers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
By mentioning both “unimportant” and “important soldiers,” the king meant all soldiers. Alternate translation: “Do not attack any of the soldiers”
1 Kings 22:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about that (1)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
1 Kings 22:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: drew his bow at random (1)This could mean: (1) he took aim to shoot a soldier without knowing that it was Ahab or (2) he drew his bow to shoot without any specific target in mind.
1 Kings 22:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king was held up in his chariot (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone held the king up in his chariot”
1 Kings 22:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a cry went up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “a cry” represents the soldiers who were shouting. Alternate translation: “soldiers began to shout”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Every man should go back to his city; and every man should go back to his region (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
1 Kings 22:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was brought to Samaria (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his soldiers brought his body to Samaria”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they buried him (1)Alternate translation: “people buried him”
1 Kings 22:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as the word of Yahweh had declared (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the word of Yahweh” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had declared”
1 Kings 22:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” or “you can read them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
1 Kings 22:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ahab dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See also: Euphemism)
1 Kings 22:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty-five years old (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“35 years old”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“25 years”
1 Kings 22:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He walked in the ways of Asa, his father (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person’s behavior is spoken of as if that person walked along a path. Alternate translation: “He did the same things that Asa, his father, had done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was right in the eyes of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “eyes” represents seeing and Yahweh’s opinion is spoken of as if he were able to see something. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considered to be right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the high places were not taken away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he did not take away the high places”
1 Kings 22:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:29. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” or “you can read them in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
1 Kings 22:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ships were wrecked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ships wrecked”
1 Kings 22:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: slept with his ancestors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jehoshaphat dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See also: Euphemism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried with them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people buried him”
1 Kings 22:51
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he reigned two years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“he reigned 2 years”
1 Kings 22:52
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s opinion regarding something is spoken of as if Yahweh were seeing that thing. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walked in the way of his father, in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam son of Nebat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person’s behavior is spoken of as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: “did the same things that his father, mother, and Jeroboam son of Nebat had done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: led Israel to sin (1)Here the word “Israel” refers to the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel.
1 Kings 22:53
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He served Baal and worshiped him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “served” and “worshiped” mean basically the same thing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Israel (1)Here the word “Israel” refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.