1 Samuel 21:8

Authorized King James Version

And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֙

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

לַֽאֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ

H288

unto Ahimelech

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

וְאִ֛ין

H371

not

is it not?

יֶשׁ

H3426

And is there

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

פֹּ֥ה

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

תַֽחַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

בְיָדִ֔י

H3027

here under thine 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

חֲנִ֣ית

H2595

spear

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

#10

אוֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#11

חַרְבִּ֤י

H2719

my sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#12

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#13

גַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#14

חַרְבִּ֤י

H2719

my sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#15

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#16

כֵּלַי֙

H3627

nor my weapons

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

#17

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

לָקַ֣חְתִּי

H3947

for I have neither brought

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#19

בְיָדִ֔י

H3027

here under thine 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

#20

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#21

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

required

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

#22

דְבַר

H1697

business

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#23

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

because the king's

a king

#24

נָחֽוּץ׃

H5169

haste

to be urgent

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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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