1 Samuel 2:5

Authorized King James Version

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׂבֵעִ֤ים
They that were full
satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)
#2
בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙
themselves for bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#3
נִשְׂכָּ֔רוּ
have hired out
to hire
#4
וּרְעֵבִ֖ים
and they that were hungry
hungry (more or less intensely)
#5
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
ceased
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#6
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
עֲקָרָה֙
so that the barren
sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)
#8
יָֽלְדָ֣ה
hath born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#9
שִׁבְעָ֔ה
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#10
וְרַבַּ֥ת
and she that hath many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#11
בָּנִ֖ים
children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
אֻמְלָֽלָה׃
is waxed feeble
to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn

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 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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