1 Samuel 21:3

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
יֵּ֧שׁ
Now therefore what is
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#4
תַּֽחַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#5
בְיָדִ֑י
in mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
חֲמִשָּׁה
me five
five
#7
לֶ֖חֶם
loaves of bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#8
תְּנָ֣ה
give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
בְיָדִ֑י
in mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
א֖וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
הַנִּמְצָֽא׃
or what there is present
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

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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