1 Samuel 18:19

Authorized King James Version

But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּעֵ֥ת
But it came to pass at the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#3
נִתְּנָ֛ה
should have been given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
מֵרַ֥ב
when Merab
merab, a daughter of saul
#6
בַּת
daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
שָׁא֖וּל
Saul's
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#8
לְדָוִ֑ד
to David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
וְהִ֧יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
נִתְּנָ֛ה
should have been given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לְעַדְרִיאֵ֥ל
unto Adriel
adriel, an israelite
#12
הַמְּחֹֽלָתִ֖י
the Meholathite
a mecholathite or inhabitant of abel-mecholah
#13
לְאִשָּֽׁה׃
to wife
a woman

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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