1 Samuel 3:1

Authorized King James Version

And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַנַּ֧עַר
And the child
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#2
שְׁמוּאֵ֛ל
Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#3
מְשָׁרֵ֥ת
ministered
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
עֵלִ֑י
Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest
#8
וּדְבַר
And the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
הָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
יָקָר֙
was precious
valuable (objectively or subjectively)
#12
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
in those days
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
#13
הָהֵ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#14
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#15
חָז֖וֹן
vision
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
#16
נִפְרָֽץ׃
there was no open
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 1 Samuel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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