1 Samuel 22:16

Authorized King James Version

And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
תָּמ֖וּת
Thou shalt surely
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#4
תָּמ֖וּת
Thou shalt surely
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
אֲחִימֶ֑לֶךְ
Ahimelech
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
#6
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
בֵּ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
אָבִֽיךָ׃
H1
thou and all thy father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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