1 Samuel 8:5

Authorized King James Version

And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ
And said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הִנֵּה֙
lo!
#4
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#5
זָקַ֔נְתָּ
unto him Behold thou art old
to be old
#6
וּבָנֶ֕יךָ
and thy 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
#7
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
הָֽלְכ֖וּ
walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
בִּדְרָכֶ֑יךָ
not in thy ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
עַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#11
שִֽׂימָה
now make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#12
לָּ֥נוּ
H0
#13
מֶ֛לֶךְ
us a king
a king
#14
לְשָׁפְטֵ֖נוּ
to judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#15
כְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הַגּוֹיִֽם׃
us like all the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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