1 Samuel 12:23

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אָֽנֹכִ֗י
Moreover as for me
i
#3
חָלִ֤ילָה
God forbid
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
#4
לִּי֙
H0
#5
מֵֽחֲטֹ֣א
that I should sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#6
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
מֵֽחֲדֹ֖ל
in ceasing
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#8
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
to pray
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
#9
בַּֽעַדְכֶ֑ם
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#10
וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֣י
for you but I will teach
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
#11
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#13
הַטּוֹבָ֖ה
you the 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
#14
וְהַיְשָׁרָֽה׃
and the right
straight (literally or figuratively)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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