1 Samuel 30:12
And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתְּנוּ
And they gave
H5414
וַיִּתְּנוּ
And they gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וַתָּ֥שָׁב
came again
H7725
וַתָּ֥שָׁב
came again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 21
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
רוּח֖וֹ
his spirit
H7307
רוּח֖וֹ
his spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
9 of 21
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לֶ֙חֶם֙
no bread
H3899
לֶ֙חֶם֙
no bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
14 of 21
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מַ֔יִם
any water
H4325
מַ֔יִם
any water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
17 of 21
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
and three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
18 of 21
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
יָמִ֖ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֖ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
19 of 21
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
Cross References
Judges 15:19But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day.1 Samuel 14:27But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
Historical Context
Fig cakes and raisins were standard travel provisions, high in sugar and easily portable. Three days without water in desert conditions was near the limit of human survival, making this man's rescue barely in time.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God's timing placed you in position to receive crucial help?
- What does the physical care preceding spiritual conversation suggest about ministry priorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The detailed provisions, 'cake of figs, two clusters of raisins,' and restored hydration, bring the dying man back to life. The phrase 'his spirit came again to him' (Hebrew: 'watashav rucho elav') describes physical revival through nourishment. The three days without food or water paralleled the time David traveled from Aphek to Ziklag, suggesting the raid occurred just as David departed. Divine timing preserved this witness who would guide David to the enemy camp.