1 Samuel 1:21

Authorized King James Version

And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֛עַל
went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
הָאִ֥ישׁ
And the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
אֶלְקָנָ֖ה
Elkanah
elkanah, the name of several israelites
#4
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
בֵּית֑וֹ
and all his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
לִזְבֹּ֧חַ
to offer
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#7
לַֽיהוָ֛ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
זֶ֥בַח
sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#10
הַיָּמִ֖ים
the yearly
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
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
נִדְרֽוֹ׃
and his vow
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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