1 Samuel 12:23
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Original Language Analysis
גַּ֣ם
H1571
גַּ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
חָלִ֤ילָה
God forbid
H2486
חָלִ֤ילָה
God forbid
Strong's:
H2486
Word #:
3 of 14
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
מֵֽחֲטֹ֣א
that I should sin
H2398
מֵֽחֲטֹ֣א
that I should sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽחֲדֹ֖ל
in ceasing
H2308
מֵֽחֲדֹ֖ל
in ceasing
Strong's:
H2308
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
to pray
H6419
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
to pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
8 of 14
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
בַּֽעַדְכֶ֑ם
H1157
בַּֽעַדְכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
9 of 14
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֣י
for you but I will teach
H3384
וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֣י
for you but I will teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
way
H1870
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
12 of 14
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;Romans 1:9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;2 Timothy 1:3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;1 Kings 8:36Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.1 Thessalonians 3:10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?Acts 12:5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.Psalms 34:11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Proverbs 4:11I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.Jeremiah 6:16Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.2 Chronicles 6:27Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.
Historical Context
Samuel's commitment to continued intercession and instruction established the prophetic vocation as distinct from kingship. Prophets would serve as conscience to kings, praying for the nation while speaking God's truth regardless of royal approval.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you consider failure to pray for those in your care as sin against God?
- How are prayer and teaching connected in faithful spiritual leadership?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Samuel makes an astonishing statement: failure to pray for Israel would be sin 'against the LORD.' Intercessory prayer is not optional ministry but moral obligation for spiritual leaders. The parallel commitment to 'teach you the good and the right way' pairs prayer with instruction as the prophet's dual responsibility. Samuel models the Reformed understanding that Word and prayer together constitute the minister's essential calling. Neither pastoral care through intercession nor prophetic teaching through proclamation can be neglected.