1 Samuel 30:3

Authorized King James Version

So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֨א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
דָוִ֤ד
So David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֙
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)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הָעִ֔יר
to the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#7
שְׂרוּפָ֖ה
and behold it was burned
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#8
בָּאֵ֑שׁ
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֛ם
and their wives
a woman
#10
וּבְנֵיהֶ֥ם
and their sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
וּבְנֹֽתֵיהֶ֖ם
and their daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#12
נִשְׁבּֽוּ׃
were taken captives
to transport into captivity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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