1 Samuel 9:7

Authorized King James Version

Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שָׁא֜וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
לְנַֽעֲר֗וֹ
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
#4
וְהִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#5
נֵלֵךְ֮
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
וּמַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
לְהָבִ֖יא
to bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
לְאִ֣ישׁ
the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
הַלֶּ֙חֶם֙
for the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#11
אָזַ֣ל
is spent
to go away, hence, to disappear
#12
מִכֵּלֵ֔ינוּ
in our vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#13
וּתְשׁוּרָ֥ה
and there is not a present
a gift
#14
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#15
לְהָבִ֖יא
to bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
לְאִ֣ישׁ
the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#17
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#18
מָ֖ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#19
אִתָּֽנוּ׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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