1 Samuel 8:3

Authorized King James Version

And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
הָלְכ֤וּ
walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
בָנָיו֙
And his sons
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
בִּדְרָכָ֔ו
not in his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
וַיַּטּ֖וּ
and perverted
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#6
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
הַבָּ֑צַע
lucre
plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)
#8
וַיִּ֨קְחוּ
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#9
שֹׁ֔חַד
bribes
a donation (venal or redemptive)
#10
וַיַּטּ֖וּ
and perverted
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#11
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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