1 Samuel 15:32

Authorized King James Version

Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל
Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#3
הַגִּ֤ישׁוּ
Bring ye hither
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#4
אֵלַי֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֲגָ֔ג
H90
And Agag
agag, a title of amalekitish kings
#7
מֶ֣לֶךְ
the king
a king
#8
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
of the Amalekites
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
#9
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
אֲגָ֔ג
H90
And Agag
agag, a title of amalekitish kings
#12
מַֽעֲדַנֹּ֑ת
unto him delicately
a delicacy or (abstractly) pleasure (adverbially, cheerfully)
#13
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
אֲגָ֔ג
H90
And Agag
agag, a title of amalekitish kings
#15
אָכֵ֖ן
Surely
firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but
#16
סָ֥ר
is past
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#17
מַר
the bitterness
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#18
הַמָּֽוֶת׃
of death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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