1 Samuel 25:37

Authorized King James Version

But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַבֹּ֗קֶר
But it came to pass in the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#3
בְּצֵ֤את
was gone out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
הַיַּ֙יִן֙
when the wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#5
מִנָּבָ֔ל
of Nabal
nabal, an israelite
#6
וַתַּגֶּד
had told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#7
ל֣וֹ
H0
#8
אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ
and his wife
a woman
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
him these things
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#12
וַיָּ֤מָת
died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
לִבּוֹ֙
that his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#14
בְּקִרְבּ֔וֹ
within
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#15
וְה֖וּא
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
#16
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
לְאָֽבֶן׃
H68
him and he became as a stone
a stone

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

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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