1 Samuel 15:29

Authorized King James Version

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַם֙

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

נֵ֣צַח

H5331

And also the Strength

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

יְשַׁקֵּ֖ר

H8266

will not lie

to cheat, i.e., be untrue (usually in words)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

לְהִנָּחֵֽם׃

H5162

nor repent

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#10

אָדָ֛ם

H120

for he is not a man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#11

ה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#12

לְהִנָּחֵֽם׃

H5162

nor repent

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

Related Resources

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