1 Samuel 21:14

Authorized King James Version

Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אָכִ֖ישׁ
Achish
akish, a philistine king
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
עֲבָדָ֑יו
unto his servants
a servant
#5
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#6
תִרְאוּ֙
Lo ye see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
אִ֣ישׁ
the 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)
#8
מִשְׁתַּגֵּ֔עַ
is mad
to rave through insanity
#9
לָ֛מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
תָּבִ֥יאוּ
wherefore then have ye brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אֵלָֽי׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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