1 Samuel 16:18

Authorized King James Version

Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּעַן֩

H6030

Then answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֶחָ֨ד

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֜ים

H5288

of the servants

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

רָאִ֜יתִי

H7200

Behold I have seen

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

בֵּ֣ן

H1121

a son

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

לְיִשַׁי֮

H3448

of Jesse

jishai, david's father

בֵּ֣ית

#10

הַלַּחְמִי֒

H1022

the Bethlehemite

a beth-lechemite, or native of bethlechem

#11

יֹדֵ֣עַ

H3045

that is cunning

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#12

נַ֠גֵּן

H5059

in playing

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

#13

וְגִבּ֨וֹר

H1368

and a mighty

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

#14

חַ֜יִל

H2428

valiant man

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

#15

וְאִ֣ישׁ

H376

and a 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)

#16

מִלְחָמָ֛ה

H4421

of war

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

#17

וּנְב֥וֹן

H995

and prudent

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

#18

דָּבָ֖ר

H1697

in matters

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#19

וְאִ֣ישׁ

H376

and a 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)

#20

תֹּ֑אַר

H8389

and a comely

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

#21

וַֽיהוָ֖ה

H3068

and the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#22

עִמּֽוֹ׃

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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