1 Samuel 14:52

Authorized King James Version

And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתְּהִ֤י

H1961

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

הַמִּלְחָמָה֙

H4421

war

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

חֲזָקָ֣ה

H2389

And there was sore

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים

H6430

against the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

all the days

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

שָׁא֜וּל

H7586

and when Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְרָאָ֨ה

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#10

שָׁא֜וּל

H7586

and when Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

#11

כָּל

H3605

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

#12

אִ֤ישׁ

H376

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)

#13

גִּבּוֹר֙

H1368

any strong

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

#14

וְכָל

H3605

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

#15

בֶּן

H1121

man

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#16

חַ֔יִל

H2428

or any valiant

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#17

וַיַּֽאַסְפֵ֖הוּ

H622

he took

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

#18

אֵלָֽיו׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 divine revelation 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

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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