1 Samuel 30:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתְּנוּ
And they gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
לוֹ֩
H0
#3
פֶ֨לַח
him a piece
a slice
#4
דְּבֵלָ֜ה
of a cake
a cake of pressed figs
#5
וּשְׁנֵ֤י
of figs and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
צִמֻּקִים֙
clusters of raisins
a cake of dried grapes
#7
אָ֤כַל
and when he had eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#8
וַתָּ֥שָׁב
came again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
רוּח֖וֹ
his spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#10
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
כִּ֠י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
אָ֤כַל
and when he had eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#14
לֶ֙חֶם֙
no bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#15
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
שָׁ֣תָה
nor drunk
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#17
מַ֔יִם
any water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#18
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#19
יָמִ֖ים
days
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
#20
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#21
לֵילֽוֹת׃
nights
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

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 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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