1 Samuel 24:9

Authorized King James Version

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹ֑ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
לְשָׁא֔וּל
to Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#4
לָ֧מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
תִשְׁמַ֛ע
Wherefore hearest
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
דִּבְרֵ֥י
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#8
אָדָ֖ם
thou men's
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#9
לֵאמֹ֑ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#11
דָוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#12
מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
seeketh
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#13
רָֽעָתֶֽךָ׃
thy hurt
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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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