1 Samuel 25:11

Authorized King James Version

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֤י

H3947

Shall I then take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַחְמִי֙

H3899

my bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֵימַ֔י

H4325

and my water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְאֵת֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

טִבְחָתִ֔י

H2878

and my flesh

properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

טָבַ֖חְתִּי

H2873

that I have killed

to slaughter (animals or men)

#10

לְגֹֽזְזָ֑י

H1494

for my shearers

to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy

#11

וְנָֽתַתִּי֙

H5414

and give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

לַֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים

H376

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)

#13

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

יָדַ֔עְתִּי

H3045

whom I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#16

אֵ֥י

H335

where? hence how?

#17

מִזֶּ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#18

הֵֽמָּה׃

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps