1 Samuel 13:18

Authorized King James Version

And another company turned the way to Beth-horon: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָרֹ֨אשׁ
company
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#2
אֶחָ֤ד
And another
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#3
יִפְנֶה֙
turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#4
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
בֵּ֣ית
H0
#6
חֹר֑וֹן
to Bethhoron
beth-choron, the name of two adjoining places in palestine
#7
וְהָרֹ֨אשׁ
company
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
אֶחָ֤ד
And another
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
יִפְנֶה֙
turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#10
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
הַגְּב֔וּל
of the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#12
הַנִּשְׁקָ֛ף
that looketh
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
גֵּ֥י
to the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#15
הַצְּבֹעִ֖ים
of Zeboim
tseboim, a place in palestine
#16
הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃
toward the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources