1 Samuel 17:25

Authorized King James Version

And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

הָאִ֨ישׁ

H376

And the men

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)

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַרְּאִיתֶם֙

H7200

Have ye seen

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

הָאִ֨ישׁ

H376

And the men

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)

עֹלֶ֑ה

H5927

is he come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְחָרֵ֥ף

H2778

surely to defy

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

עֹלֶ֑ה

H5927

is he come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#13

וְֽ֠הָיָה

H1961

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

#14

הָאִ֨ישׁ

H376

And the men

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)

#15

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

יַכֶּ֜נּוּ

H5221

who killeth

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#17

יַעְשְׁרֶ֥נּוּ

H6238

will enrich

properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich

#18

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ׀

H4428

him the king

a king

#19

עֹ֣שֶׁר

H6239

riches

wealth

#20

גָּד֗וֹל

H1419

him with great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#21

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

בִּתּוֹ֙

H1323

him his daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#23

יִתֶּן

H5414

and will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#24

ל֔וֹ

#25

וְאֵת֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#26

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#27

אָבִ֔יו

his father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#28

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה

H6213

and make

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#29

חָפְשִׁ֖י

H2670

free

exempt (from bondage, tax or care)

#30

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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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