1 Samuel 4:21

Authorized King James Version

And she named the child I-chabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקְרָ֣א
And she named
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
לַנַּ֗עַר
the child
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#3
אִֽי
H0
#4
כָבוֹד֙
Ichabod
ikabod, a son of phineas
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
גָּלָ֥ה
is departed
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#7
כָב֖וֹד
The glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#8
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
from Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
וְאֶל
because
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הִלָּקַח֙
was taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#11
אֲר֣וֹן
the ark
a box
#12
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
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
#13
וְאֶל
because
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
חָמִ֖יהָ
and because of her father in law
a father-in-law (as in affinity)
#15
וְאִישָֽׁהּ׃
and her husband
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)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources