1 Samuel 1:16

Authorized King James Version

Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תִּתֵּן֙
Count
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔
not thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave
#5
לִפְנֵ֖י
for
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
בַּת
a daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
בְּלִיָּ֑עַל
of Belial
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מֵרֹ֥ב
for out of the abundance
abundance (in any respect)
#10
שִׂיחִ֛י
of my complaint
a contemplation; by implication, an utterance
#11
וְכַעְסִ֖י
and grief
vexation
#12
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי
have I spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#13
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
הֵֽנָּה׃
hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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