1 Samuel 16:9

Authorized King James Version

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר
to pass by
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
יִשַׁ֖י
Then Jesse
jishai, david's father
#3
שַׁמָּ֑ה
made Shammah
shammah, the name of an edomite and four israelites
#4
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#6
בָּזֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
בָחַ֥ר
chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#9
יְהוָֽה׃
Neither hath the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources