1 Samuel 11:4

Authorized King James Version

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֤אוּ

H935

Then came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמַּלְאָכִים֙

H4397

the messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

גִּבְעַ֣ת

H1390

to Gibeah

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

שָׁא֔וּל

H7586

of Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ

H1696

and told

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

the tidings

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

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י

H241

in the ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּשְׂא֧וּ

H5375

lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#10

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

קוֹלָ֖ם

H6963

their voices

a voice or sound

#14

וַיִּבְכּֽוּ׃

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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

People

Samuel

Study Resources

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