1 Chronicles 12:21

Authorized King James Version

And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵ֗מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
עָֽזְר֤וּ
And they helped
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
דָּוִיד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#5
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַגְּד֔וּד
against the band
a crowd (especially of soldiers)
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
גִבּ֥וֹרֵי
of the rovers for they were all mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#9
חַ֖יִל
of valour
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#10
כֻּלָּ֑ם
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
שָׂרִ֖ים
and were captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#13
בַּצָּבָֽא׃
in the host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection