1 Samuel 6:5

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶם֩
Wherefore ye shall make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
וְצַלְמֵ֣י
and images
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
#3
עְפֹלֵיכֶ֜ם
a tumor
#4
וְצַלְמֵ֣י
and images
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
#5
עַכְבְּרֵיכֶ֗ם
of your mice
a mouse (as nibbling)
#6
הַמַּשְׁחִיתִם֙
that mar
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אַרְצְכֶֽם׃
and from off your land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
וּנְתַתֶּ֛ם
and ye shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
from off you and from off your gods
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
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
כָּב֑וֹד
glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#13
אוּלַ֗י
if not; hence perhaps
#14
יָקֵ֤ל
peradventure he will lighten
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
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
#17
מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
וּמֵעַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
from off you and from off your gods
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
#20
וּמֵעַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
אַרְצְכֶֽם׃
and from off your land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, 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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