1 Samuel 1:23

Authorized King James Version

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָהּ֩
H0
#3
אֶלְקָנָ֨ה
And Elkanah
elkanah, the name of several israelites
#4
אִישָׁ֜הּ
her husband
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)
#5
עֲשִׂ֧י
unto her Do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
הַטּ֣וֹב
thee good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#7
בְּעֵינַ֗יִךְ
what seemeth
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב
abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
גָמְלָ֖הּ
until she weaned
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
#11
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אַ֛ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#13
יָקֵ֥ם
establish
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#14
יְהוָ֖ה
him only the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
דְּבָר֑וֹ
his word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#17
וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב
abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#18
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙
So the woman
a woman
#19
וַתֵּ֣ינֶק
suck
to suck; causatively, to give milk
#20
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
בְּנָ֔הּ
and gave her son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#22
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#23
גָמְלָ֖הּ
until she weaned
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
#24
אֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Samuel's theological argument.

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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