1 Samuel 9:8

Authorized King James Version

And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤סֶף
again
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#2
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
And the 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
#3
לַֽעֲנ֣וֹת
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
שָׁא֔וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#6
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
הִנֵּה֙
lo!
#8
נִמְצָ֣א
Behold I have
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
#9
בְיָדִ֔י
here at hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
רֶ֖בַע
the fourth part
a fourth (part or side)
#11
שֶׁ֣קֶל
of a shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#12
כָּ֑סֶף
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#13
וְנָֽתַתִּי֙
that will I give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
לְאִ֣ישׁ
to 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)
#15
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
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
#16
וְהִגִּ֥יד
to tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#17
לָ֖נוּ
H0
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
דַּרְכֵּֽנוּ׃
us our way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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