1 Samuel 13:20

Authorized King James Version

But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּֽרְד֥וּ
went down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
But all the Israelites
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
to the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#5
לִ֠לְטוֹשׁ
to sharpen
properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen
#6
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
מַֽחֲרַשְׁתּ֤וֹ
his share
probably a hoe
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אֵתוֹ֙
and his coulter
a hoe or other digging implement
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
קַרְדֻּמּ֔וֹ
and his axe
an axe
#13
וְאֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
מַחֲרֵֽשָׁתֽוֹ׃
and his mattock
probably a pick-axe

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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