1 Samuel 14:24

Authorized King James Version

And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָ֠אִישׁ

H376

And 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל

H3478

of Israel

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

נִגַּ֖שׂ

H5065

were distressed

to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיֹּאֶל֩

H422

had adjured

properly, to adjure, i.e., (usually in a bad sense) imprecate

שָׁא֨וּל

H7586

for Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

So none of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#10

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

אָר֣וּר

H779

Cursed

to execrate

#12

הָ֠אִישׁ

H376

And 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)

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

יֹ֨אכַל

H398

that eateth

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#15

לָֽחֶם׃

H3899

any food

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#16

עַד

H5704

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

#17

הָעֶ֗רֶב

H6153

until evening

dusk

#18

וְנִקַּמְתִּי֙

H5358

that I may be avenged

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

#19

מֵאֹ֣יְבַ֔י

H341

on mine enemies

hating; an adversary

#20

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

טָעַ֥ם

H2938

tasted

to taste; figuratively, to perceive

#22

כָּל

H3605

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

#23

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

So none of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#24

לָֽחֶם׃

H3899

any food

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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