1 Samuel 14:27

Authorized King James Version

But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיֽוֹנָתָ֣ן

H3129

But Jonathan

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֗ע

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּהַשְׁבִּ֣יעַ

H7650

charged

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

אָבִיו֮

not when his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶת

H853

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

הָעָם֒

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח

H7971

wherefore he put forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

#10

קְצֵ֤ה

H7097

the end

an extremity

#11

הַמַּטֶּה֙

H4294

of the rod

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

יָדוֹ֙

H3027

his 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

#14

וַיִּטְבֹּ֥ל

H2881

and dipped

to dip, to immerse

#15

אוֹתָ֖הּ

H853

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

#16

בְּיַעְרַ֣ת

H3295

it in an honeycomb

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

#17

הַדְּבָ֑שׁ

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

#18

וַיָּ֤שֶׁב

H7725

and put

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

#19

יָדוֹ֙

H3027

his 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

#20

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#21

פִּ֔יו

H6310

to his mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#22

וַתָּרֹ֖אְנָה

H215

were enlightened

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

#23

עֵינָֽיו׃

H5869

and his eyes

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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of covenant 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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