1 Samuel 17:28

Authorized King James Version

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֱלִיאָ֨ב

H446

And Eliab

eliab, the name of six israelites

אָחִ֣יו

H251

brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַגָּד֔וֹל

H1419

his eldest

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

בְּדַבְּר֖וֹ

H1696

when he spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים

H376

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)

וַיִּֽחַר

H2734

was kindled

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַף֩

H639

anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

#10

אֱלִיאָ֨ב

H446

And Eliab

eliab, the name of six israelites

#11

בְּדָוִ֜ד

H1732

against David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#12

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀

H559

and he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

לָמָּה

H4100

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

#14

זֶּ֣ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#15

יָרָֽדְתָּ׃

H3381

Why camest thou down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#16

וְעַל

H5921

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

#17

מִ֨י

H4310

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

#18

נָטַ֜שְׁתָּ

H5203

hither and with whom hast thou left

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

#19

מְעַ֨ט

H4592

few

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

#20

הַצֹּ֤אן

H6629

sheep

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#21

הָהֵ֙נָּה֙

H2007

those

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

#22

בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר

H4057

in the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#23

אֲנִ֧י

H589

#24

יָדַ֣עְתִּי

H3045

I know

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

#25

אֶת

H853

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

#26

זְדֹֽנְךָ֗

H2087

thy pride

arrogance

#27

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#28

רֹ֣עַ

H7455

and the naughtiness

badness (as marring), physically or morally

#29

לְבָבֶ֔ךָ

H3824

of thine heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#30

כִּ֗י

H3588

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

#31

לְמַ֛עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#32

רְא֥וֹת

H7200

that thou mightest see

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

#33

הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה

H4421

the battle

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

#34

יָרָֽדְתָּ׃

H3381

Why camest thou down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps