1 Samuel 28:24

Authorized King James Version

And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָֽאִשָּׁ֤ה
And the woman
a woman
#2
עֵֽגֶל
calf
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#3
מַרְבֵּק֙
had a fat
a stall (for cattle)
#4
בַּבַּ֔יִת
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
וַתְּמַהֵ֖ר
and she hasted
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#6
וַתִּזְבָּחֵ֑הוּ
and killed
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#7
וַתִּקַּח
it and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
קֶ֣מַח
flour
flour
#9
וַתָּ֔לָשׁ
and kneaded
to knead
#10
וַתֹּפֵ֖הוּ
it and did bake
to cook, especially to bake
#11
מַצּֽוֹת׃
unleavened bread
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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