1 Samuel 12:16

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
Now therefore
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
עַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#3
הִתְיַצְּב֣וּ
stand
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
#4
וּרְא֔וּ
and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
הַגָּד֖וֹל
this great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#8
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
עֹשֶׂ֖ה
will do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
לְעֵֽינֵיכֶֽם׃
before your eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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