1 Samuel 8:16

Authorized King James Version

And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
עַבְדֵיכֶם֩
your menservants
a servant
#3
וְֽאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
שִׁפְח֨וֹתֵיכֶ֜ם
and your maidservants
a female slave (as a member of the household)
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בַּחֽוּרֵיכֶ֧ם
young men
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
#7
הַטּוֹבִ֛ים
and your goodliest
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#8
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
חֲמֽוֹרֵיכֶ֖ם
and your asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#10
יִקָּ֑ח
And he will take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#11
וְעָשָׂ֖ה
and put
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
לִמְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃
them to his work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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