1 Samuel 24:14

Authorized King James Version

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#2
מִ֤י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
יָצָא֙
come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
מֶ֣לֶךְ
whom is the king
a king
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
מִ֖י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#8
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#9
רֹדֵ֑ף
whom dost thou pursue
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#10
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#11
כֶּ֣לֶב
dog
a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
#12
מֵ֔ת
a dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#14
פַּרְעֹ֥שׁ
flea
a flea (as the isolated insect)
#15
אֶחָֽד׃
a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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