1 Samuel 17:36

Authorized King James Version

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֧ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶֽת

H853

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

הָאֲרִ֛י

H738

both the lion

a lion

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הַדּ֖וֹב

H1677

and the bear

the bear (as slow)

הִכָּ֣ה

H5221

slew

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5650

Thy servant

a servant

וְֽ֠הָיָה

H1961

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

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֨י

H6430

Philistine

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#10

הֶֽעָרֵ֤ל

H6189

and this uncircumcised

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

#11

הַזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

כְּאַחַ֣ד

H259

shall be as one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#13

מֵהֶ֔ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#14

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#15

חֵרֵ֔ף

H2778

of them seeing he hath defied

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;

#16

מַֽעַרְכֹ֖ת

H4634

the armies

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

#17

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

#18

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 simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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