1 Chronicles 19:5

Authorized King James Version

Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֩
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
וַיַּגִּ֨ידוּ
H5046
certain and told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#3
לְדָוִ֤יד
H1732
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#4
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים
H582
how the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#6
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
H7971
were served And he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#7
לִקְרָאתָ֔ם
H7125
to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#8
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
הָי֥וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים
H582
how the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#11
נִכְלָמִ֣ים
H3637
ashamed
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
#12
מְאֹ֑ד
H3966
were greatly
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#13
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
H4428
And the king
a king
#15
שְׁב֣וּ
H3427
Tarry
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#16
בִֽירֵח֔וֹ
H3405
at Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#17
עַ֛ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
יְצַמַּ֥ח
H6779
be grown
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#20
זְקַנְכֶ֖ם
H2206
until your beards
the beard (as indicating age)
#21
וְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃
H7725
and then return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection