1 Samuel 17:44

Authorized King James Version

And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י

H6430

And the Philistine

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֑ד

H1732

to David

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְכָ֣ה

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֶתְּנָה֙

H5414

to me and I will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

בְּשָׂ֣רְךָ֔

H1320

thy flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#10

לְע֥וֹף

H5775

unto the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

#11

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

of the air

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#12

וּלְבֶֽהֱמַ֥ת

H929

and to the beasts

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#13

הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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

Related Resources

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

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps