1 Samuel 2:9

Authorized King James Version

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַגְלֵ֤י
the feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#2
חֲסִידָו֙
of his saints
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
#3
יִשְׁמֹ֔ר
He will keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#4
וּרְשָׁעִ֖ים
and the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#5
בַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְ
in darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#6
יִדָּ֑מּוּ
shall be silent
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
#7
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
בְכֹ֖חַ
for by strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#10
יִגְבַּר
prevail
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
#11
אִֽישׁ׃
shall no man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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