1 Samuel 30:10

Authorized King James Version

But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְדֹּ֣ף
pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#2
דָּוִ֔ד
But David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
ה֖וּא
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
וְאַרְבַּע
he and four
four
#5
מָאתַ֣יִם
for two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#6
אִ֔ישׁ
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
וַיַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
abode behind
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#8
מָאתַ֣יִם
for two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#9
אִ֔ישׁ
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
פִּגְּר֔וּ
which were so faint
to relax, i.e., become exhausted
#12
מֵֽעֲבֹ֖ר
that they could not go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
נַ֥חַל
the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#15
הַבְּשֽׂוֹר׃
Besor
besor, a stream of 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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