1 Samuel 16:20

Authorized King James Version

And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֨ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
יִשַׁ֜י
And Jesse
jishai, david's father
#3
חֲמ֥וֹר
an ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#4
לֶ֙חֶם֙
laden with bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#5
וְנֹ֣אד
and a bottle
a (skin or leather) bag (for fluids)
#6
יַ֔יִן
of wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#7
וּגְדִ֥י
kid
a young goat (from browsing)
#8
עִזִּ֖ים
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#9
אֶחָ֑ד
and a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#10
וַיִּשְׁלַ֛ח
and sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
בְּיַד
them by
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
דָּוִ֥ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#13
בְּנ֖וֹ
his 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
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
שָׁאֽוּל׃
unto Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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