1 Samuel 14:6

Authorized King James Version

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֜ן
And Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַנַּ֣עַר׀
to the young man
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#5
נֹשֵׂ֣א
that bare
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#6
כֵלָ֗יו
his armour
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#7
לְכָה֙
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
וְנַעְבְּרָ֗ה
and let us go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
מַצַּב֙
unto the garrison
a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post
#11
הָֽעֲרֵלִ֣ים
of these uncircumcised
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
#12
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#13
אוּלַ֛י
if not; hence perhaps
#14
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
will work
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
לַֽיהוָה֙
it may be that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
לָ֑נוּ
H0
#17
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
אֵ֤ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#19
לַֽיהוָה֙
it may be that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#20
מַעְצ֔וֹר
for us for there is no restraint
objectively, a hindrance
#21
לְהוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
to save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#22
בְּרַ֖ב
by many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#23
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#24
בִמְעָֽט׃
or by few
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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