1 Samuel 14:39

Authorized King James Version

For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
חַי
H2416
liveth
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
יְהוָ֗ה
H3068
For as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
הַמּוֹשִׁ֙יעַ֙
H3467
which saveth
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
כִּ֧י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#9
יֶשְׁנ֛וֹ
H3426
though it be
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#10
בְּיֽוֹנָתָ֥ן
H3129
in Jonathan
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
#11
בְּנִ֖י
H1121
my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
יָמ֑וּת
H4191
die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#14
יָמ֑וּת
H4191
die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#15
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#16
עֹנֵ֖הוּ
H6030
that answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#17
מִכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
הָעָֽם׃
H5971
But there was not a man among all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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