1 Samuel 23:6

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

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

בִּ֠בְרֹחַ

H1272

fled

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

אֶבְיָתָ֧ר

H54

And it came to pass when Abiathar

ebjathar, an israelite

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ

H288

of Ahimelech

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֖ד

H1732

to David

david, the youngest son of jesse

קְעִילָ֑ה

H7084

to Keilah

keilah, a place in palestine

אֵפ֖וֹד

H646

with an ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

#10

יָרַ֥ד

H3381

that he came down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#11

בְּיָדֽוֹ׃

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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