1 Samuel 30:2

Authorized King James Version

And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁבּ֨וּ
captives
to transport into captivity
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַנָּשִׁ֤ים
And had taken the women
a woman
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
בָּהּ֙
H0
#6
מִקָּטֹ֣ן
or small
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#7
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
גָּד֔וֹל
either great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
הֵמִ֖יתוּ
that were therein they slew
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
אִ֑ישׁ
not any
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)
#12
וַיִּֽנְהֲג֔וּ
but carried them away
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
#13
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
לְדַרְכָּֽם׃
on their way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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