1 Samuel 8:4

Authorized King James Version

Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽתְקַבְּצ֔וּ
gathered themselves together
to grasp, i.e., collect
#2
כֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
זִקְנֵ֣י
Then all the elders
old
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
to Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#8
הָֽרָמָֽתָה׃
unto Ramah
ramah, the name of four places 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

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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