1 Samuel 8:2

Authorized King James Version

Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֞י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
וְשֵׁ֥ם
Now the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#3
בְּנ֤וֹ
of his firstborn
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
הַבְּכוֹר֙
first-born; hence, chief
#5
יוֹאֵ֔ל
was Joel
joel, the name of twelve israelites
#6
וְשֵׁ֥ם
Now the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
מִשְׁנֵ֖הוּ
of his second
properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc
#8
אֲבִיָּ֑ה
H29
Abiah
abijah, the name of several israelite men and two israelitesses
#9
שֹֽׁפְטִ֖ים
they were judges
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#10
בִּבְאֵ֥ר
H0
#11
שָֽׁבַע׃
in Beersheba
beer-sheba, a place in palestine

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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