1 Samuel 14:29

Authorized King James Version

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יֽוֹנָתָ֔ן
Jonathan
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
#3
עָכַ֥ר
hath troubled
properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict
#4
אָבִ֖י
H1
My father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הָאָ֑רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
רְאוּ
see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#8
נָא֙
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#9
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אֹ֣רוּ
have been enlightened
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
#11
עֵינַ֔י
I pray you how mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
טָעַ֔מְתִּי
because I tasted
to taste; figuratively, to perceive
#14
מְעַ֖ט
a little
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#15
דְּבַ֥שׁ
of this honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#16
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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