1 Samuel 30:4
Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א
that were with him lifted up
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א
that were with him lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 14
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וְהָעָ֧ם
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָ֧ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִתּ֛וֹ
H854
אִתּ֛וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַ֣ד
H5704
עַ֣ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern mourning was demonstrative and communal. Loud weeping, tearing clothes, and other physical expressions of grief were culturally expected responses to loss. The communal nature of this mourning reflects the shared trauma.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process grief to the point of exhaustion?
- What role does shared mourning play in processing collective trauma?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The description of collective grief, 'lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep,' expresses exhaustion through mourning. The Hebrew 'ad asher en bahem koach livekot' (until there was no strength in them to weep) captures the physical depletion of intense grief. David shares this mourning equally with his men, not standing apart as leader but participating in the community's devastation. Even future kings must grieve their losses fully.