1 Samuel 20:34

Authorized King James Version

So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֧קָם
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֛ן
So Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#3
מֵעִ֥ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן
from the table
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#5
בָּֽחֳרִי
in fierce
a burning (i.e., intense) anger
#6
אָ֑ף
anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#7
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
אָכַ֞ל
and did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
בְּיוֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
הַחֹ֤דֶשׁ
of the month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#11
הַשֵּׁנִי֙
the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#12
לֶ֔חֶם
no meat
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#13
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
נֶעְצַב֙
for he was grieved
properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
דָּוִ֔ד
for David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#17
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
הִכְלִמ֖וֹ
had done him shame
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
#19
אָבִֽיו׃
H1
because his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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

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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