1 Samuel 9:5

Authorized King James Version

And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֗מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
בָּ֚אוּ
And when they were come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
to the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
צ֔וּף
of Zuph
tsuph or tsophai or tsiph, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
#5
וְשָׁא֥וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#6
אָמַ֛ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
לְנַֽעֲר֥וֹ
to his servant
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#8
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עִמּ֖וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
לְכָ֣ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
וְנָשׁ֑וּבָה
and let us return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#12
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#13
יֶחְדַּ֥ל
leave
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#14
אָבִ֛י
H1
lest my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#15
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#16
הָֽאֲתֹנ֖וֹת
caring for the asses
a female donkey (from its docility)
#17
וְדָ֥אַג
and take thought
be anxious
#18
לָֽנוּ׃
H0

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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