1 Samuel 18:13

Authorized King James Version

Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְסִרֵ֤הוּ
removed
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#2
שָׁאוּל֙
Therefore Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
מֵֽעִמּ֔וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
וַיְשִׂמֵ֥הוּ
him from him and made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#5
ל֖וֹ
H0
#6
שַׂר
him his captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#7
אָ֑לֶף
over a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#8
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
and he went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
לִפְנֵ֥י
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
הָעָֽם׃
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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