1 Samuel 10:23

Authorized King James Version

And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּרֻ֙צוּ֙
And they ran
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#2
וַיִּקָּחֻ֣הוּ
and fetched
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
מִשָּׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#4
וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֖ב
him thence and when he stood
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
#5
בְּת֣וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
הָעָ֔ם
than any of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
וַיִּגְבַּהּ֙
he was higher
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
#8
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הָעָ֔ם
than any of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
מִשִּׁכְמ֖וֹ
from his shoulders
the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill
#11
וָמָֽעְלָה׃
and upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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