1 Samuel 12:20

Authorized King James Version

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שְׁמוּאֵ֤ל
And Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָעָם֙
unto the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תִּירָ֔אוּ
Fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#7
אַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם
not ye have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
אֵ֥ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הָֽרָעָ֖ה
all this wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
הַזֹּ֑את
this (often used adverb)
#13
אַ֗ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#14
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#15
תָּס֙וּרוּ֙
yet turn not aside
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#16
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
from following
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#17
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּ֥ם
but serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#21
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#22
לְבַבְכֶֽם׃
with all your heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 Samuel.

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

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