1 Samuel 21:1

Authorized King James Version

Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֤א
Then came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
דָּוִ֗ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
נֹ֔בֶה
to Nob
nob, a place in palestine
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ
and Ahimelech
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
#6
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#7
וַיֶּֽחֱרַ֨ד
was afraid
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
#8
אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ
and Ahimelech
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
#9
לִקְרַ֣את
at the meeting
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#10
דָּוִ֗ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
לוֹ֙
H0
#13
מַדּ֤וּעַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#14
אַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#16
וְאִ֖ישׁ
unto him Why art thou alone and 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)
#17
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#18
אִתָּֽךְ׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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