1 Samuel 17:50

Authorized King James Version

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֨ק
prevailed
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#2
דָּוִֽד׃
So David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
מִן
over
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#5
בַּקֶּ֣לַע
with a sling
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
#6
וּבָאֶ֔בֶן
H68
and with a stone
a stone
#7
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#10
וַיְמִתֵ֑הוּ
and slew
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
וְחֶ֖רֶב
him but there was no sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#12
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
בְּיַד
in the 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
#14
דָּוִֽד׃
So David
david, the youngest son of jesse

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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