1 Samuel 27:3

Authorized King James Version

And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּשֶׁב֩
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
דָּוִד֙
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
אָכִ֥ישׁ
with Achish
akish, a philistine king
#5
בְּגַ֛ת
at Gath
gath, a philistine city
#6
ה֥וּא
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
#7
אִ֣ישׁ
every 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)
#8
אִ֣ישׁ
every 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)
#9
וּבֵית֑וֹ
with his household
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
דָּוִד֙
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
וּשְׁתֵּ֣י
with his two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#12
אֵֽשֶׁת
wife
a woman
#13
אֲחִינֹ֙עַם֙
Ahinoam
achinoam, the name of two israelitesses
#14
הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֔ת
the Jezreelitess
a jezreelitess
#15
וַֽאֲבִיגַ֥יִל
H26
and Abigail
abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses
#16
אֵֽשֶׁת
wife
a woman
#17
נָבָ֖ל
Nabal's
nabal, an israelite
#18
הַֽכַּרְמְלִֽית׃
the Carmelitess
a karmelitess or female inhabitant of karmel

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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