1 Samuel 23:19

Authorized King James Version

Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ
Then came up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
זִפִים֙
the Ziphites
a ziphite or inhabitant of ziph
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
שָׁא֔וּל
to Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#5
הַגִּבְעָ֖תָה
to Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#6
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
הֲל֣וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
דָ֠וִד
Doth not David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
מִסְתַּתֵּ֨ר
hide
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#10
עִמָּ֤נוּ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#11
בַמְּצָדוֹת֙
himself with us in strong holds
a fastness (as a covert of ambush)
#12
בַּחֹ֔רְשָׁה
in the wood
a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)
#13
בְּגִבְעַת֙
in the hill
a hillock
#14
הַֽחֲכִילָ֔ה
of Hachilah
chakilah, a hill in palestine
#15
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
מִימִ֥ין
which is on the south
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#17
הַיְשִׁימֽוֹן׃
of Jeshimon
a desolation

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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