1 Samuel 25:3

Authorized King James Version

Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשֵׁ֥ם
Now the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#2
וְהָאִ֥ישׁ
but the 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)
#3
נָבָ֔ל
was Nabal
nabal, an israelite
#4
וְשֵׁ֥ם
Now the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
וְהָֽאִשָּׁ֤ה
and she was a woman
a woman
#6
אֲבִגָ֑יִל
H26
Abigail
abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses
#7
וְהָֽאִשָּׁ֤ה
and she was a woman
a woman
#8
טֽוֹבַת
of 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
#9
שֶׂ֙כֶל֙
understanding
intelligence; by implication, success
#10
וִ֣יפַת
and of a beautiful
beautiful (literally or figuratively)
#11
תֹּ֔אַר
countenance
outline, i.e., figure or appearance
#12
וְהָאִ֥ישׁ
but the 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)
#13
קָשֶׁ֛ה
was churlish
severe (in various applications)
#14
וְרַ֥ע
and evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#15
מַֽעֲלָלִ֖ים
in his doings
an act (good or bad)
#16
וְה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#17
כָלִבִּֽוֹ׃
and he was of the house of Caleb
a calebite or descendant of caleb

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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