1 Samuel 24:3

Authorized King James Version

And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֥א
And he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
גִּדְר֨וֹת
to the sheepcotes
enclosure (especially for flocks)
#4
הַצֹּ֤אן
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
וְשָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#8
הַמְּעָרָ֖ה
of the cave
a cavern (as dark)
#9
וַיָּבֹ֥א
And he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
שָׁא֖וּל
and Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#11
לְהָסֵ֣ךְ
to cover
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
רַגְלָ֑יו
his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#14
וְדָוִד֙
and David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#15
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֔יו
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#16
בְּיַרְכְּתֵ֥י
in the sides
properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess
#17
הַמְּעָרָ֖ה
of the cave
a cavern (as dark)
#18
יֹֽשְׁבִֽים׃
remained
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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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