The Idiomatic Expression וַתָּ֥שָׁב רוּחֹ֖ו אֵלָ֑יו (“His Spirit Returned to Him”) in 1 Samuel 30:12

Introduction to 1 Samuel 30:12

1 Samuel 30:12 describes an Egyptian servant found in a weakened state by David’s men, who is then revived with food and water. The key phrase וַתָּ֥שָׁב רוּחֹ֖ו אֵלָ֑יו (“his spirit returned to him”) is an idiom that expresses recovery from extreme exhaustion, distress, or near-death experiences.

This verse consists of:

1. The provision of food: פֶ֨לַח דְּבֵלָ֜ה וּשְׁנֵ֤י צִמֻּקִים (“a piece of pressed fig and two cakes of raisins”).
2. The action of eating: וַיֹּ֔אכַל (“and he ate”), which initiates his recovery.
3. The idiomatic phrase וַתָּ֥שָׁב רוּחֹ֖ו אֵלָ֑יו (“his spirit returned to him”), describing his revival.
4. The explanation כִּ֠י לֹֽא־אָ֤כַל לֶ֨חֶם֙ וְלֹא־שָׁ֣תָה מַ֔יִם שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יָמִ֖ים וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה לֵילֹֽות (“for he had not eaten bread nor drunk water for three days and three nights”), clarifying the reason for his condition.

This study will analyze the function of וַתָּ֥שָׁב רוּחֹ֖ו אֵלָ֑יו in biblical idiom, its grammatical structure, and its theological significance.

וַיִּתְּנוּ־לֹו֩ פֶ֨לַח דְּבֵלָ֜ה וּשְׁנֵ֤י צִמֻּקִים֙ וַיֹּ֔אכַל וַתָּ֥שָׁב רוּחֹ֖ו אֵלָ֑יו כִּ֠י לֹֽא־אָ֤כַל לֶ֨חֶם֙ וְלֹא־שָׁ֣תָה מַ֔יִם שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יָמִ֖ים וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה לֵילֹֽות׃

Analysis of Key Words/Phrases

1. וַתָּ֥שָׁב (vattashav)
   • Root: שׁוּב (“to return, restore”)
   • Form: Qal consecutive imperfect 3rd feminine singular
   • Translation: “And it returned”
   • Function: Marks a completed action in a sequential narrative.
2. רוּחֹ֖ו (ruḥo)
   • Root: רוּחַ (“spirit, breath, life-force”)
   • Form: Feminine singular noun with 3rd masculine singular suffix (“his spirit”)
   • Translation: “His spirit”
   • Function: Represents vitality, energy, or life itself.
3. אֵלָ֑יו (elav)
   • Root: אֵל (“to, toward”)
   • Form: Preposition with 3rd masculine singular suffix (“to him”)
   • Translation: “To him”
   • Function: Indicates direction of the returning vitality.
4. כִּ֠י לֹֽא־אָ֤כַל לֶ֨חֶם֙ וְלֹא־שָׁ֣תָה מַ֔יִם (ki lo-akhal leḥem velo-shatah mayim)
   • Root: אָכַל (“to eat”), שָׁתָה (“to drink”)
   • Form: Negative perfect verbs
   • Translation: “For he had not eaten bread nor drunk water”
   • Function: Explains the extreme exhaustion leading to his near-collapse.

Explanation of Grammatical Function

The Idiomatic Use of וַתָּ֥שָׁב רוּחֹ֖ו אֵלָ֑יו (“His Spirit Returned to Him”)

The phrase “his spirit returned to him” is an idiom indicating recovery or renewal of strength.

Similar expressions appear in:

• Genesis 45:27 – “The spirit of Jacob their father revived.”
• Judges 15:19 – After drinking, Samson’s spirit “returned” and he was revived.

In these cases, רוּחַ (“spirit”) functions as an indicator of vitality rather than an independent entity.

The Qal Consecutive Imperfect וַתָּ֥שָׁב (“And It Returned”)

The imperfect consecutive form expresses a completed action within a sequence.

שׁוּב (“to return”) is commonly used for restoration or renewal, both physically and spiritually.

The Use of Parallel Negative Perfects in כִּ֠י לֹֽא־אָ֤כַל… וְלֹא־שָׁ֣תָה (“For He Had Not Eaten… Nor Drunk”)

The double negative perfect (לֹא + perfect verb) expresses an extended state of deprivation.

The phrase שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יָמִ֖ים וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה לֵילֹֽות (“three days and three nights”) echoes similar durations of suffering or spiritual testing in biblical narratives.

Theological Implications of 1 Samuel 30:12

1. The Connection Between Physical and Spiritual RestorationThe return of “spirit” (רוּחַ) is directly linked to eating and drinking, illustrating the biblical perspective on the interdependence of body and soul.
2. The Theme of Divine Providence in RecoveryAlthough David’s men provide physical sustenance, the recovery itself is framed as a “returning of spirit,” suggesting divine involvement.
3. The Symbolic Use of “Three Days and Three Nights”This duration is often associated with trials, suffering, and subsequent restoration (e.g., Jonah in the fish, Jesus in the tomb).

The Function of וַתָּ֥שָׁב רוּחֹ֖ו אֵלָ֑יו as a Biblical Revival Idiom

1 Samuel 30:12 employs a well-known Hebrew idiom for revival and renewal, illustrating how physical needs and spiritual vitality are intertwined. The grammatical structure reinforces a sequential process of suffering, provision, and restoration, highlighting divine providence in human renewal.

Thus, this verse serves as both a grammatical model of Hebrew idiomatic expressions and a theological affirmation of restoration through divine and human means.