1 Samuel 6:10

Authorized King James Version

And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֤וּ
did so
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙
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
כֵּ֔ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#4
וַיִּקְח֗וּ
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
שְׁתֵּ֤י
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
פָרוֹת֙
kine
a heifer
#7
עָל֔וֹת
milch
to suckle, i.e., give milk
#8
וַיַּֽאַסְר֖וּם
and tied
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#9
בָּֽעֲגָלָ֑ה
them to the cart
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
#10
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
בְּנֵיהֶ֖ם
their calves
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
כָּל֥וּ
and shut up
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
#13
בַבָּֽיִת׃
at home
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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