1 Samuel 16:22

Authorized King James Version

And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
שָׁא֔וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יִשַׁ֖י
to Jesse
jishai, david's father
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
יַֽעֲמָד
I pray thee stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
נָ֤א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#8
דָוִד֙
Let David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
לְפָנַ֔י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
מָ֥צָא
me for he hath found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#12
חֵ֖ן
favour
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#13
בְּעֵינָֽי׃
in my sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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