1 Samuel 17:43

Authorized King James Version

And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
And the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
דָּוִ֖ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#5
הֲכֶ֣לֶב
Am I a dog
a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
#6
אָנֹ֔כִי
i
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#9
בָֽא
that thou comest
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
אֵלַ֖י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
בַּמַּקְל֑וֹת
to me with staves
a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)
#12
וַיְקַלֵּ֧ל
cursed
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#13
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
And the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
דָּוִ֖ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#16
בֵּֽאלֹהָֽיו׃
by his gods
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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