1 Samuel 14:10

Authorized King James Version

But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כֹּ֨ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יֹֽאמְר֜וּ

H559

But if they say

to say (used with great latitude)

וְעָלִ֔ינוּ

H5927

thus Come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְעָלִ֔ינוּ

H5927

thus Come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נְתָנָ֥ם

H5414

hath delivered

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

for the LORD

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

#10

בְּיָדֵ֑נוּ

H3027

them into our 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

#11

וְזֶה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

לָּ֖נוּ

#13

הָאֽוֹת׃

H226

and this shall be a sign

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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