1 Samuel 14:36

Authorized King James Version

And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

of them And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֡וּל

H7586

And Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

נֵֽרְדָ֣ה

H3381

Let us go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אַֽחֲרֵי֩

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

פְלִשְׁתִּ֨ים׀

H6430

the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לַ֜יְלָה

H3915

by night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְֽנָבֹ֥זָה

H962

and spoil

to plunder

בָהֶ֣ם׀

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#10

א֣וֹר

H216

light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

#11

הַבֹּ֗קֶר

H1242

them until the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#12

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#13

נַשְׁאֵ֤ר

H7604

and let us not leave

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#14

בָּהֶם֙

#15

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#16

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

of them And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

הַטּ֥וֹב

H2896

good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#19

בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ

H5869

whatsoever seemeth

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

#20

עֲשֵׂ֑ה

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#21

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

of them And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

#22

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#23

נִקְרְבָ֥ה

H7126

Let us draw near

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

#24

הֲלֹ֖ם

H1988

hither

#25

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#26

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

unto God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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

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?
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 verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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