1 Samuel 12:3

Authorized King James Version

Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנְנִ֣י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עֲנ֣וּ

H6030

Behold here I am witness

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בִי֩

נֶ֨גֶד

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

against me before the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְנֶ֣גֶד

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

מְשִׁיח֗וֹ

H4899

and before his anointed

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שׁוֹר֩׀

H7794

whose ox

a bullock (as a traveller)

#10

מִ֨י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#11

לָקַ֣חְתִּי

H3947

have I taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#12

וַֽחֲמ֧וֹר

H2543

or whose ass

a male ass (from its dun red)

#13

מִ֣י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#14

לָקַ֣חְתִּי

H3947

have I taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#15

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

מִ֤י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#17

עָשַׁ֙קְתִּי֙

H6231

or whom have I defrauded

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

#18

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

מִ֣י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#20

רַצּ֔וֹתִי

H7533

whom have I oppressed

to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively

#21

וּמִיַּד

H3027

or of whose hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#22

מִי֙

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#23

לָקַ֣חְתִּי

H3947

have I taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#24

כֹ֔פֶר

H3724

have I received any bribe

properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)

#25

וְאַעְלִ֥ים

H5956

to blind

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

#26

עֵינַ֖י

H5869

mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#27

בּ֑וֹ

#28

וְאָשִׁ֖יב

H7725

therewith and I will restore

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#29

לָכֶֽם׃

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 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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