1 Samuel 2:8

Authorized King James Version

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵקִ֨ים
H6965
He raiseth up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
מֵֽעָפָ֜ר
H6083
out of the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#3
דָּ֗ל
H1800
the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#4
מֵֽאַשְׁפֹּת֙
H830
from the dunghill
a heap of rubbish or filth
#5
יָרִ֣ים
H7311
and lifteth up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#6
אֶבְי֔וֹן
H34
the beggar
destitute
#7
לְהוֹשִׁיב֙
H3427
to set
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
עִם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#9
נְדִיבִ֔ים
H5081
them among princes
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
#10
וְכִסֵּ֥א
H3678
the throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#11
כָב֖וֹד
H3519
of glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#12
יַנְחִלֵ֑ם
H5157
and to make them inherit
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
#13
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
לַֽיהוָה֙
H3068
are the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
מְצֻ֣קֵי
H4690
for the pillars
something narrow, i.e., a column or hilltop
#16
אֶ֔רֶץ
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#17
וַיָּ֥שֶׁת
H7896
and he hath set
to place (in a very wide application)
#18
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
תֵּבֵֽל׃
H8398
the world
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of glory reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 kingdom of God 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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