1 Samuel 30:21

Authorized King James Version

And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֣א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
דָּוִד֙
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מָאתַ֨יִם
to the two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#5
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֜ים
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)
#6
אֲשֶֽׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
פִּגְּר֣וּ׀
which were so faint
to relax, i.e., become exhausted
#8
מִלֶּ֣כֶת׀
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
דָּוִד֙
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
וַיֹּֽשִׁיבֻם֙
whom they had made also to abide
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#12
בְּנַ֣חַל
at the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#13
הַבְּשׂ֔וֹר
Besor
besor, a stream of palestine
#14
וַיֵּֽצְאוּ֙
and they went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#15
וְלִקְרַ֖את
and to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#16
דָּוִד֙
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#17
וְלִקְרַ֖את
and to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#18
הָעָ֔ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#19
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
אִתּ֑וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#21
וַיִּגַּ֤שׁ
came near
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#22
דָּוִד֙
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#23
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
הָעָ֔ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#25
וַיִּשְׁאַ֥ל
he saluted
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#26
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#27
לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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