1 Samuel 28:23

Authorized King James Version

But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְמָאֵ֗ן
But he refused
to refuse
#2
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
אֹכַ֔ל
I will not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
וַיִּפְרְצוּ
compelled
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
#6
ב֤וֹ
H0
#7
עֲבָדָיו֙
But his servants
a servant
#8
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה
together with the woman
a woman
#10
וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע
him and he hearkened
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#11
לְקֹלָ֑ם
unto their voice
a voice or sound
#12
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
So he arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#13
מֵֽהָאָ֔רֶץ
from the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
and sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
הַמִּטָּֽה׃
upon the bed
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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