1 Samuel 3:5

Authorized King James Version

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣רָץ
And he ran
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
עֵלִ֗י
unto Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest
#4
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
הִנְנִי֙
Here am I
lo!
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
קָרָ֖אתִי
I called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#8
לִּ֔י
H0
#9
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
קָרָ֖אתִי
I called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#12
שׁ֣וּב
again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#13
וַיִּשְׁכָּֽב׃
and lay down
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#14
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#15
וַיִּשְׁכָּֽב׃
and lay down
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

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 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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