1 Samuel 3:2

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֣וֹם
H3117
And it came to pass at that time
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
#3
הַה֔וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
וְעֵלִ֖י
H5941
when Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest
#5
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
H7901
was laid down
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#6
בִּמְקוֹמ֑וֹ
H4725
in his place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#7
וְעֵינָו֙
H5869
and his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
הֵחֵ֣לּוּ
H2490
began
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#9
כֵה֔וֹת
H3544
to wax dim
feeble, obscure
#10
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יוּכַ֖ל
H3201
that he could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#12
לִרְאֽוֹת׃
H7200
not see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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