1 Samuel 9:11

Authorized King James Version

And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֗מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
עֹלִים֙
And as they went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
בְּמַֽעֲלֵ֣ה
the hill
an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority
#4
הָעִ֔יר
to the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
וְהֵ֙מָּה֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
מָֽצְא֣וּ
they found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#7
נְעָר֔וֹת
young maidens
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#8
יֹֽצְא֖וֹת
going out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
לִשְׁאֹ֣ב
to draw
to bale up water
#10
מָ֑יִם
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
לָהֶ֔ן
H0
#13
הֲיֵ֥שׁ
unto them Is
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#14
בָּזֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#15
הָֽרֹאֶֽה׃
the seer
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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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