1 Samuel 21:5

Authorized King James Version

And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּעַן֩

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

דָּוִ֨ד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

unto him Of a truth

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אִשָּׁ֤ה

H802

women

a woman

#10

עֲצֻֽרָה

H6113

have been kept

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

#11

לָ֙נוּ֙

#12

כִּתְמ֣וֹל

H8543

days

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

#13

שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם

H8032

from us about these three

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

#14

בְּצֵאתִ֕י

H3318

since I came out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#15

וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

בַּכֶּֽלִי׃

H3627

and the vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#17

הַנְּעָרִ֖ים

H5288

of the young men

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

#18

קֹ֑דֶשׁ

H6944

are holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#19

וְהוּא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#20

דֶּ֣רֶךְ

H1870

and the bread is in a manner

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#21

חֹ֔ל

H2455

common

properly, exposed; hence, profane

#22

וְאַ֕ף

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

#23

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#24

הַיּ֖וֹם

H3117

this 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

#25

יִקְדַּ֥שׁ

H6942

yea though it were sanctified

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

#26

בַּכֶּֽלִי׃

H3627

and the vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of truth 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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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