1 Samuel 22:20

Authorized King James Version

And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט
escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#2
בֶּן
of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
אֶחָ֗ד
And one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#4
לַֽאֲחִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙
of Ahimelech
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
#5
בֶּן
of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
אֲחִט֔וּב
of Ahitub
achitub, the name of several priests
#7
וּשְׁמ֖וֹ
named
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#8
אֶבְיָתָ֑ר
H54
Abiathar
ebjathar, an israelite
#9
וַיִּבְרַ֖ח
and fled
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#10
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#11
דָוִֽד׃
David
david, the youngest son of jesse

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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