1 Samuel 25:10

Authorized King James Version

And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
נָבָ֜ל
And Nabal
nabal, an israelite
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
עֲבָדִ֔ים
servants
a servant
#5
דָוִ֖ד
David's
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
וַיֹּ֔אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#8
דָוִ֖ד
David's
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
וּמִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#10
בֶן
and who is the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
יִשָׁ֑י
of Jesse
jishai, david's father
#12
הַיּוֹם֙
now a days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
רַבּ֣וּ
there be many
properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad
#14
עֲבָדִ֔ים
servants
a servant
#15
הַמִּתְפָּ֣רְצִ֔ים
that break away
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
#16
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
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)
#17
מִפְּנֵ֥י
from
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
אֲדֹנָֽיו׃
his master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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