1 Samuel 25:15

Authorized King James Version

But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים

H582

But the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

טֹבִ֥ים

H2896

good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לָ֖נוּ

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

were very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

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

הָכְלַ֙מְנוּ֙

H3637

unto us and we were not hurt

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

פָקַ֣דְנוּ

H6485

neither missed

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

מְא֔וּמָה

H3972

we any thing

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

יְמֵי֙

H3117

as long as

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

#12

הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ

H1980

we were conversant

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#13

אִתָּ֔ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

בִּֽהְיוֹתֵ֖נוּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃

H7704

with them when we were in the fields

a field (as flat)

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps