1 Samuel 10:27

Authorized King James Version

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנֵ֧י
But the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
בְלִיַּ֣עַל
of Belial
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
#3
אָֽמְר֗וּ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
יֹּֽשִׁעֵ֙נוּ֙
How shall this man save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#6
זֶ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
וַיִּבְזֻ֕הוּ
us And they despised
to disesteem
#8
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
הֵבִ֥יאוּ
him and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
ל֖וֹ
H0
#11
מִנְחָ֑ה
him no presents
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#12
וַיְהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
כְּמַֽחֲרִֽישׁ׃
But he held his peace
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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