1 Samuel 25:41

Authorized King James Version

And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתָּ֕קָם
And she arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
and bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#3
אַפַּ֖יִם
herself on her face
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#4
אָ֑רְצָה
to the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#7
אֲמָֽתְךָ֙
Behold let thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave
#8
לְשִׁפְחָ֔ה
be a servant
a female slave (as a member of the household)
#9
לִרְחֹ֕ץ
to wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#10
רַגְלֵ֖י
the feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#11
עַבְדֵ֥י
of the servants
a servant
#12
אֲדֹנִֽי׃
of my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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