1 Samuel 10:2

Authorized King James Version

When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָלַ֣כְתָּ

H1980

which thou wentest

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הַיּוֹם֙

H3117

to day

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

מֵֽעִמָּדִ֔י

H5978

from me

along with

נִמְצְא֤וּ

H4672

are found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

שְׁנֵ֨י

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲנָשִׁ֜ים

H376

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)

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

קְבֻרַ֥ת

H6900

sepulchre

sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher

רָחֵ֛ל

H7354

by Rachel's

rachel, a wife of jacob

#10

בִּגְב֥וּל

H1366

in the border

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

#11

בִּנְיָמִ֖ן

H1144

of Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#12

בְּצֶלְצַ֑ח

H6766

at Zelzah

tseltsach, a place in palestine

#13

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

and they will say

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

אֵלֶ֗יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

נִמְצְא֤וּ

H4672

are found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#16

הָֽאֲתֹנ֔וֹת

H860

of the asses

a female donkey (from its docility)

#17

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

הָלַ֣כְתָּ

H1980

which thou wentest

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#19

לְבַקֵּ֔שׁ

H1245

to seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#20

וְהִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

#21

נָטַ֤שׁ

H5203

hath left

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

#22

אָבִ֙יךָ֙

and lo thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#23

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

דִּבְרֵ֣י

H1697

the care

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#25

הָֽאֲתֹנ֔וֹת

H860

of the asses

a female donkey (from its docility)

#26

וְדָאַ֤ג

H1672

and sorroweth

be anxious

#27

לָכֶם֙

#28

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

and they will say

to say (used with great latitude)

#29

מָ֥ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#30

אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

What shall I do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#31

לִבְנִֽי׃

H1121

for my 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps