1 Samuel 14:20

Authorized King James Version

And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּזָּעֵ֣ק

H2199

that were with him assembled

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

שָׁא֗וּל

H7586

And Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְכָל

H3605

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

הָעָם֙

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּ֔וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ

H935

themselves and they came

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

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה

H4421

to the battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#10

וְהִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

#11

הָֽיְתָ֜ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

חֶ֤רֶב

H2719

sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#13

אִישׁ֙

H376

and behold every man's

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)

#14

בְּרֵעֵ֔הוּ

H7453

was against his fellow

an associate (more or less close)

#15

מְהוּמָ֖ה

H4103

discomfiture

confusion or uproar

#16

גְּדוֹלָ֥ה

H1419

great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#17

מְאֹֽד׃

H3966

and there was a very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

Related Resources

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