1 Chronicles 21:13

Authorized King James Version

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֛יד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גָּ֖ד

H1410

unto Gad

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

צַר

H6887

strait

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

לִ֣י

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

I am in a great

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

אֶפֹּֽל׃

H5307

but let me not fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

נָּ֣א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#10

וּבְיַד

H3027

into the 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

#11

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

רַבִּ֤ים

H7227

great

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#14

רַֽחֲמָיו֙

H7356

are his mercies

compassion (in the plural)

#15

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

I am in a great

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#16

וּבְיַד

H3027

into the 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

#17

אָדָ֖ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#18

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#19

אֶפֹּֽל׃

H5307

but let me not fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, 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 Chronicles.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Chronicles chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?