1 Chronicles 11:15

Authorized King James Version

Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּֽרְד֡וּ
H3381
went down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
שְֽׁלוֹשָׁה֩
H7969
Now three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#3
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
הַשְּׁלוֹשִׁ֨ים
H7970
of the thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#5
רֹ֤אשׁ
H7218
captains
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הַצֻּר֙
H6697
to the rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#8
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
דָּוִ֔יד
H1732
to David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#10
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
מְעָרַ֖ת
H4631
into the cave
a cavern (as dark)
#12
עֲדֻלָּ֑ם
H5725
of Adullam
adullam, a place in palestine
#13
וּמַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
H4264
and the host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#14
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
H6430
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#15
חֹנָ֖ה
H2583
encamped
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#16
בְּעֵ֥מֶק
H6010
in the valley
a vale (i.e., broad depression)
#17
רְפָאִֽים׃
H7497
of Rephaim
a giant

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection