1 Samuel 18:11

Authorized King James Version

And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֤טֶל
cast
to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
#2
שָׁאוּל֙
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַחֲנִ֔ית
the javelin
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#5
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
for he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אַכֶּ֥ה
I will smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#7
דָּוִ֛ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
וּבַקִּ֑יר
even to the wall
a wall (as built in a trench)
#9
וַיִּסֹּ֥ב
avoided out
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#10
דָּוִ֛ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
מִפָּנָ֖יו
of his presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
פַּֽעֲמָֽיִם׃
twice
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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