1 Samuel 17:26

Authorized King James Version

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֵאמֹר֒

H559

by him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֗ד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים

H582

to the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָעֹֽמְדִ֣ים

H5975

that stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עִמּוֹ֮

H5973

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

לֵאמֹר֒

H559

by him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יֵּֽעָשֶׂ֗ה

H6213

What shall be done

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

#10

לָאִישׁ֙

H376

to the 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)

#11

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#12

יַכֶּה֙

H5221

that killeth

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֤י

H6430

Philistine

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#15

הַלָּ֔ז

H1975

this

this or that

#16

וְהֵסִ֥יר

H5493

and taketh away

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#17

חֶרְפָּ֖ה

H2781

the reproach

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

#18

מֵעַ֣ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

from Israel

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

#20

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#21

מִ֗י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#22

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֤י

H6430

Philistine

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#23

הֶֽעָרֵל֙

H6189

for who is this uncircumcised

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

#24

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#25

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#26

חֵרֵ֔ף

H2778

that he should 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;

#27

מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת

H4634

the armies

an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array

#28

אֱלֹהִ֥ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#29

חַיִּֽים׃

H2416

of the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

Questions for Reflection

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?
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 does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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