1 Samuel 3:15

Authorized King James Version

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#2
וּשְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
And Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
הַבֹּ֔קֶר
until the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#5
וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח
and opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
דַּלְת֣וֹת
the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#8
בֵּית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
וּשְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
And Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#11
יָרֵ֔א
feared
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#12
מֵֽהַגִּ֥יד
to shew
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הַמַּרְאָ֖ה
the vision
(causatively) a mirror
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
עֵלִֽי׃
Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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