1 Samuel 28:7

Authorized King James Version

Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שָׁא֜וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
עֲבָדָיו֙
of her And his servants
a servant
#4
בַּקְּשׁוּ
Seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#5
לִי֙
H0
#6
אֵ֥שֶׁת
me a woman
a woman
#7
בַּֽעֲלַת
that hath
a mistress
#8
א֖וֹב
a familiar spirit
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
#9
וְאֵֽלְכָ֥ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
אֵלֶ֖יהָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
וְאֶדְרְשָׁה
to her and enquire
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#12
בָּ֑הּ
H0
#13
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
עֲבָדָיו֙
of her And his servants
a servant
#15
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
הִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#17
אֵ֥שֶׁת
me a woman
a woman
#18
בַּֽעֲלַת
that hath
a mistress
#19
א֖וֹב
a familiar spirit
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
#20
בְּעֵ֥ין
H0
#21
דּֽוֹר׃
at Endor
en-dor, a place in palestine

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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