1 Samuel 14:1

Authorized King James Version

Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַיּ֗וֹם
Now it came to pass upon a day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יֽוֹנָתָ֤ן
that Jonathan
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
#5
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
שָׁאוּל֙
of Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
unto the young man
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#9
נֹשֵׂ֣א
that bare
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#10
כֵלָ֔יו
his armour
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#11
לְכָ֗ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
וְנַעְבְּרָה֙
and let us go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#13
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
מַצַּ֣ב
garrison
a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post
#15
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
to the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#16
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
מֵעֵ֣בֶר
that is on the other side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#18
הַלָּ֑ז
this or that
#19
וּלְאָבִ֖יו
H1
not his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#20
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
הִגִּֽיד׃
But he told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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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