1 Samuel 17:40

Authorized King James Version

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֨ח
H3947
And he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
מַקְל֜וֹ
H4731
his staff
a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)
#3
בְיָד֑וֹ
H3027
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
וַיִּבְחַר
H977
and chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#5
ל֣וֹ
H0
#6
חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה
H2568
him five
five
#7
חַלֻּקֵֽי
H2512
smooth
smooth
#8
אֲבָנִ֣ים׀
H68
stones
a stone
#9
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#10
הַנַּ֡חַל
H5158
out of the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#11
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם
H7760
and put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#12
אֹ֠תָם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
בִּכְלִ֨י
H3627
bag
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#14
הָֽרֹעִ֧ים
H7462
them in a shepherd's
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#15
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
ל֛וֹ
H0
#17
וּבַיַּלְק֖וּט
H3219
which he had even in a scrip
a travelling pouch (as if for gleanings)
#18
וְקַלְּע֣וֹ
H7050
and his sling
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
#19
בְיָד֑וֹ
H3027
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#20
וַיִּגַּ֖שׁ
H5066
and he drew near
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#21
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#22
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּֽי׃
H6430
to the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

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

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 salvation 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

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