1 Samuel 23:9

Authorized King James Version

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֣דַע
knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
דָּוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
עָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
שָׁא֖וּל
that Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#6
מַֽחֲרִ֣ישׁ
secretly practised
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#7
הָֽרָעָ֑ה
mischief
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#8
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
against him and he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
אֶבְיָתָ֣ר
H54
to Abiathar
ebjathar, an israelite
#11
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#12
הַגִּ֖ישָׁה
Bring hither
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#13
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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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