1 Samuel 22:2

Authorized King James Version

And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּֽתְקַבְּצ֣וּ

H6908

gathered

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֵ֠לָיו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִֽישׁ׃

H376

And every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מָצ֜וֹק

H4689

that was in distress

a narrow place, i.e., (abstractly and figuratively) confinement or disability

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִֽישׁ׃

H376

And every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֤וֹ

#10

נֹשֶׁא֙

H5378

that was in debt

to lend on interest; by implication, to dun for debt

#11

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

אִֽישׁ׃

H376

And every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#13

מַר

H4751

that was discontented

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

#14

נֶ֔פֶשׁ

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#15

וַיְהִ֥י

H1961

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

#16

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

לְשָׂ֑ר

H8269

themselves unto him and he became a captain

a head person (of any rank or class)

#18

וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ

H1961

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

#19

עִמּ֔וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#20

כְּאַרְבַּ֥ע

H702

over them and there were with him about four

four

#21

מֵא֖וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#22

אִֽישׁ׃

H376

And every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 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 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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