1 Chronicles 12:29

Authorized King James Version

And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בְּנֵ֧י

H1121

And of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִנְיָמִ֛ן

H1144

of Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲחֵ֥י

H251

the kindred

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

שָׁאֽוּל׃

H7586

of Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת

H7969

three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲלָפִ֑ים

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְעַד

H5704

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

הֵ֙נָּה֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#10

מַרְבִּיתָ֔ם

H4768

for hitherto the greatest

a multitude; also offspring; specifically interest (on capital)

#11

שֹֽׁמְרִ֕ים

H8104

part of them had kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#12

מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת

H4931

the ward

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

#13

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#14

שָׁאֽוּל׃

H7586

of Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Chronicles chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?