1 Samuel 24:8

Authorized King James Version

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֨קָם
also arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
דָּוִ֥ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#4
כֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#5
וַיֵּצֵא֙
afterward and went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#6
מֵֽן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
הַמְּעָרָ֔ה
of the cave
a cavern (as dark)
#8
וַיִּקְרָ֧א
and cried
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
שָׁאוּל֙
And when Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#11
לֵאמֹ֖ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
אֲדֹנִ֣י
My lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#13
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
the king
a king
#14
וַיַּבֵּ֤ט
looked
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#15
שָׁאוּל֙
And when Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#16
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#17
וַיִּקֹּ֨ד
stooped
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
#18
דָּוִ֥ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#19
אַפַּ֛יִם
with his face
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#20
אַ֖רְצָה
to the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#21
וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃
and bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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