1 Samuel 1:12

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
הִרְבְּתָ֔ה
And it came to pass as she continued
to increase (in whatever respect)
#4
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
praying
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
#5
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וְעֵלִ֖י
that Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest
#8
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
marked
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
פִּֽיהָ׃
her mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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