1 Samuel 4:18

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֞י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּהַזְכִּיר֣וֹ׀

H2142

And it came to pass when he made mention

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֣וֹן

H727

of the ark

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיִּפֹּ֣ל

H5307

that he fell

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מֵֽעַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַ֠כִּסֵּא

H3678

from off the seat

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

אֲחֹ֨רַנִּ֜ית

H322

backward

backwards

#10

בְּעַ֣ד׀

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#11

יַ֣ד

H3027

the side

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#12

הַשַּׁ֗עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#13

וַתִּשָּׁבֵ֤ר

H7665

brake

to burst (literally or figuratively)

#14

מַפְרַקְתּוֹ֙

H4665

and his neck

properly, a fracture, i.e., joint (vertebrae) of the neck

#15

וַיָּמֹ֔ת

H4191

and he died

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#17

זָקֵ֥ן

H2204

for he was an old

to be old

#18

הָאִ֖ישׁ

H376

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)

#19

וְכָבֵ֑ד

H3515

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

#20

וְה֛וּא

H1931

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

#21

שָׁפַ֥ט

H8199

And he had judged

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

#22

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#23

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#24

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים

H705

forty

#25

שָׁנָֽה׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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