1 Samuel 25:14

Authorized King James Version

But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלַֽאֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙
H26
Abigail
abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses
#2
אֵ֣שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#3
נָבָ֔ל
Nabal's
nabal, an israelite
#4
הִגִּ֧יד
told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#5
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים
of the young men
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#6
אֶחָ֛ד
But one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים
of the young men
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#8
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#10
שָׁלַח֩
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
דָּוִ֨ד
Behold David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#12
מַלְאָכִ֧ים׀
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#13
מֵֽהַמִּדְבָּ֛ר
out of the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#14
לְבָרֵ֥ךְ
to salute
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ
our master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#17
וַיָּ֥עַט
and he railed
to swoop down upon (literally or figuratively)
#18
בָּהֶֽם׃
H0

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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