1 Samuel 17:45

Authorized King James Version

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָּוִד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י
to the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#5
אַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
בָֽא
Thou comest
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
בְּחֶ֖רֶב
to me with a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
וּבַֽחֲנִ֣ית
and with a spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#10
וּבְכִיד֑וֹן
and with a shield
properly, something to strike with, i.e., a dart
#11
וְאָֽנֹכִ֣י
i
#12
בָֽא
Thou comest
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
אֵלֶ֗יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
בְּשֵׁם֙
to thee in the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#15
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#17
אֱלֹהֵ֛י
the 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
מַֽעַרְכ֥וֹת
of the armies
an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#20
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
חֵרַֽפְתָּ׃
whom thou hast 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;

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources