1 Samuel 11:5

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#2
שָׁא֔וּל
And behold Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
בָּ֣א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
אַֽחֲרֵ֤י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#5
הַבָּקָר֙
the herd
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#6
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה
out of the field
a field (as flat)
#8
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
שָׁא֔וּל
And behold Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#10
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#11
לָּעָ֖ם
What aileth the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
יִבְכּ֑וּ
that they weep
to weep; generally to bemoan
#14
וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּ
And they told
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#15
ל֔וֹ
H0
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
דִּבְרֵ֖י
him the tidings
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#18
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
of the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#19
יָבֵֽישׁ׃
of Jabesh
jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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