1 Samuel 17:57

Authorized King James Version

And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּכְשׁ֣וּב
returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
דָּוִ֗ד
And as David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙
from the slaughter
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
of the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#6
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
אֹתוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אַבְנֵ֔ר
H74
Abner
abner, an israelite
#9
וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ
him and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
לִפְנֵ֣י
him before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
שָׁא֑וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#12
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
with the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#13
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
of the Philistine
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#14
בְּיָדֽוֹ׃
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

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

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

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