1 Samuel 21:15

Authorized King James Version

Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֲסַ֤ר
Have I need
lacking; hence, without
#2
לְהִשְׁתַּגֵּ֖עַ
of mad men
to rave through insanity
#3
אָ֔נִי
i
#4
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
יָב֥וֹא
in my presence shall this fellow come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
זֶ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
לְהִשְׁתַּגֵּ֖עַ
of mad men
to rave through insanity
#9
עָלָ֑י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הֲזֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#11
יָב֥וֹא
in my presence shall this fellow come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
בֵּיתִֽי׃
into my house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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

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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