1 Samuel 5:12

Authorized King James Version

And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙
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)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
מֵ֔תוּ
that died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
הֻכּ֖וּ
not were smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
בַּעְּפֹלִ֑ים
a tumor
#7
וַתַּ֛עַל
went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#8
שַֽׁוְעַ֥ת
and the cry
a hallooing
#9
הָעִ֖יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
to heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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