1 Samuel 19:23

Authorized King James Version

And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָלוֹךְ֙
on
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
שָׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בְּנָוֹי֥ת
thither to Naioth
navith, a place in palestine
#5
בָּֽרָמָֽה׃
in Ramah
ramah, the name of four places in palestine
#6
וַתְּהִי֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
עָלָ֨יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
ה֜וּא
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
ר֣וּחַ
and the Spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#11
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
And he went
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
#13
הָלוֹךְ֙
on
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
וַיִּתְנַבֵּ֔א
and prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#15
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
בֹּא֖וֹ
until he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#17
בְּנָוֹי֥ת
thither to Naioth
navith, a place in palestine
#18
בָּֽרָמָֽה׃
in Ramah
ramah, the name of four places in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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