1 Samuel 17:18

Authorized King James Version

And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠אֵת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
עֲשֶׂ֜רֶת
these ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#3
חֲרִצֵ֤י
properly, incisure or (passively) incised; hence, a threshing-sledge (with sharp teeth); also a slice (as cut)
#4
הֶֽחָלָב֙
cheeses
milk (as the richness of kine)
#5
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#6
תָּבִ֖יא
And carry
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
לְשַׂר
unto the captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#8
הָאָ֑לֶף
of their thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אַחֶ֙יךָ֙
how thy brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#11
תִּפְקֹ֣ד
and look
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#12
לְשָׁל֔וֹם
fare
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
עֲרֻבָּתָ֖ם
their pledge
something given as security, i.e., (literally) a token (of safety) or (metaphorically) a bondsman
#15
תִּקָּֽח׃
and take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of covenant 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

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 covenant 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