1 Samuel 10:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
יֽוֹדְעוֹ֙
And it came to pass when all that knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#4
מֵֽאִתְּמ֣וֹל
him beforetime
heretofore; definitely yesterday
#5
שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם
trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday
#6
וַיִּרְא֕וּ
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#8
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#9
בַּנְּבִיאִֽים׃
also among the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#10
נִבָּ֑א
that behold he prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#11
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
הָעָ֜ם
then the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
אִ֣ישׁ
one
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)
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
רֵעֵ֗הוּ
to another
an associate (more or less close)
#16
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#17
זֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#18
הָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#19
לְבֶן
What is this that is come unto the 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
#20
קִ֔ישׁ
of Kish
kish, the name of five israelites
#21
הֲגַ֥ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#22
שָׁא֖וּל
Is Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#23
בַּנְּבִיאִֽים׃
also among the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

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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