1 Samuel 14:32

Authorized King James Version

And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
שָׁלָ֔ל
upon the spoil
booty
#5
וַיִּקְח֨וּ
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
צֹ֧אן
sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#7
בָקָ֖ר
and oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#8
וּבְנֵ֥י
and calves
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
בָקָ֖ר
and oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#10
וַיִּשְׁחֲטוּ
and slew
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#11
אָ֑רְצָה
them on the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
וַיֹּ֥אכַל
did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הַדָּֽם׃
them with the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

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 covenant community 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

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources