1 Samuel 4:12

Authorized King James Version

And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֤רָץ
And there ran
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#2
אִישׁ
a man
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)
#3
בִּנְיָמִן֙
of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
מֵהַמַּ֣עֲרָכָ֔ה
out of the army
an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array
#5
וַיָּבֹ֥א
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
שִׁלֹ֖ה
to Shiloh
shiloh, a place in palestine
#7
בַּיּ֣וֹם
the same day
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
#8
הַה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
וּמַדָּ֣יו
with his clothes
properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
#10
קְרֻעִ֔ים
rent
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
#11
וַֽאֲדָמָ֖ה
and with earth
soil (from its general redness)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃
upon his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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 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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