1 Samuel 14:40

Authorized King James Version

Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
he unto all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
אַתֶּם֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
תִּֽהְיוּ֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לְעֵ֣בֶר
side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#8
אֶחָ֑ד
Be ye on one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
וַֽאֲנִי֙
i
#10
וְיֽוֹנָתָ֣ן
and I and Jonathan
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
#11
בְּנִ֔י
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
נִֽהְיֶ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לְעֵ֣בֶר
side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#14
אֶחָ֑ד
Be ye on one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#15
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
הָעָם֙
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
שָׁא֔וּל
unto Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#19
הַטּ֥וֹב
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
#20
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
what seemeth
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#21
עֲשֵֽׂה׃
Do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

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

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