1 Samuel 25:42

Authorized King James Version

And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתְּמַהֵ֞ר
hasted
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#2
וַתָּ֣קָם
and arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
אֲבִיגַ֗יִל
H26
And Abigail
abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses
#4
וַתִּרְכַּב֙
and rode
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#5
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַחֲמ֔וֹר
upon an ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#7
וְחָמֵשׁ֙
with five
five
#8
נַֽעֲרֹתֶ֔יהָ
damsels
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#9
וַתֵּ֗לֶךְ
of hers that went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
לְרַגְלָ֑הּ
after
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#11
וַתֵּ֗לֶךְ
of hers that went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#13
מַלְאֲכֵ֣י
the messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#14
דָוִ֔ד
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#15
וַתְּהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
ל֖וֹ
H0
#17
לְאִשָּֽׁה׃
and became his wife
a woman

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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