1 Samuel 18:26

Authorized King James Version

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּגִּ֨דוּ
told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
עֲבָדָ֤יו
And when his servants
a servant
#3
דָוִ֔ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַדָּבָר֙
these words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#7
וַיִּשַׁ֤ר
it pleased
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
#8
הַדָּבָר֙
these words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#10
דָוִ֔ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
לְהִתְחַתֵּ֖ן
son in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#12
בַּמֶּ֑לֶךְ
well to be the king's
a king
#13
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
מָֽלְא֖וּ
were not expired
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#15
הַיָּמִֽים׃
and the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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