1 Samuel 28:2

Authorized King James Version

And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָּוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אָכִישׁ֙
And Achish
akish, a philistine king
#5
לָכֵ֗ן
Surely
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#6
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
תֵדַ֔ע
thou shalt know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
אֵ֥ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֲשֶֽׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
can do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ
what thy servant
a servant
#12
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
אָכִישׁ֙
And Achish
akish, a philistine king
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
דָּוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#16
לָכֵ֗ן
Surely
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#17
שֹׁמֵ֧ר
thee keeper
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#18
לְרֹאשִׁ֛י
of mine head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#19
אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֖
Therefore will I make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#20
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
הַיָּמִֽים׃
for ever
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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

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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