1 Samuel 22:14

Authorized King James Version

Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֧עַן
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,
#2
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
Then Ahimelech
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
the king
a king
#5
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
וּמִ֤י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#7
בְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙
among all thy servants
a servant
#9
כְּדָוִ֣ד
as David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#10
נֶֽאֱמָ֔ן
And who is so faithful
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#11
וַֽחֲתַ֥ן
son in law
a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)
#12
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
the king
a king
#13
וְסָ֥ר
and goeth
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ךָ
at thy bidding
audience, i.e., the royal court; also obedience, i.e., (concretely) a subject
#16
וְנִכְבָּ֥ד
and is honourable
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#17
בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃
in thine house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of faith reflects the development of covenant 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 pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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