1 Samuel 1:20

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לִתְקֻפ֣וֹת
was come
a revolution, i.e., (of the sun) course, (of time) lapse
#3
הַיָּמִ֔ים
Wherefore it came to pass when the time
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
וַתַּ֥הַר
had conceived
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
#5
חַנָּ֖ה
about after Hannah
channah, an israelitess
#6
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
that she bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#7
בֵּ֑ן
a son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
וַתִּקְרָ֤א
and called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
שְׁמוֹ֙
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#11
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל
Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#12
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
מֵֽיְהוָ֖ה
him of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
שְׁאִלְתִּֽיו׃
saying Because I have asked
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Samuel's theological argument.

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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