1 Samuel 14:22

Authorized King James Version

Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכֹל֩

H3605

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

אִ֨ישׁ

H376

Likewise all the men

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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַמִּֽתְחַבְּאִ֤ים

H2244

which had hid

to secrete

בְּהַר

H2022

themselves in mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙

H669

Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

שָֽׁמְע֔וּ

H8085

when they heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָ֖סוּ

H5127

fled

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#10

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים

H6430

that the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#11

וַֽיַּדְבְּק֥וּ

H1692

even they also followed hard

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

#12

גַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#13

הֵ֛מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#14

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#15

בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃

H4421

them in the battle

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps