1 Samuel 26:13

Authorized King James Version

Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר
went over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
דָּוִד֙
Then David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
הָעֵ֔בֶר
to the other side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#4
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
and stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
רֹאשׁ
on the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
הָהָ֖ר
of an hill
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#8
מֵֽרָחֹ֑ק
afar off
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#9
רַ֥ב
a great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#10
הַמָּק֖וֹם
space
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
בֵּֽינֵיהֶֽם׃
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

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 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

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