1 Samuel 14:38

Authorized King James Version

And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֔וּל

H7586

And Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

גֹּ֣שֽׁוּ

H5066

Draw ye near

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

הֲלֹ֔ם

H1988

hither

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

פִּנּ֣וֹת

H6438

all the chief

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

הָעָ֑ם

H5971

of the people

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

וּדְע֣וּ

H3045

and know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וּרְא֔וּ

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#10

בַּמָּ֗ה

H4100

wherein

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#11

הָֽיְתָ֛ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

הַֽחַטָּ֥את

H2403

this sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#13

הַזֹּ֖את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#14

הַיּֽוֹם׃

H3117

hath been this 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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

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Study Resources

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