1 Samuel 19:21

Authorized King James Version

And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
And when it was 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
שָׁא֗וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#4
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#5
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#6
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#7
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
הֵ֑מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
וַיֹּ֣סֶף
again
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#10
שָׁא֗וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#11
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#13
שְׁלִשִׁ֔ים
the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#14
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#15
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#16
הֵֽמָּה׃
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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