1 Samuel 17:47

Authorized King James Version

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיֵֽדְעוּ֙

H3045

shall know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַקָּהָ֣ל

H6951

And all this assembly

assemblage (usually concretely)

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּֽי

H3588

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

לֹ֛א

H3808

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

בְּחֶ֥רֶב

H2719

not with sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וּבַֽחֲנִ֖ית

H2595

and spear

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

יְהוֹשִׁ֣יעַ

H3467

saveth

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#10

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

is the LORD'S

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#12

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

is the LORD'S

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה

H4421

for the battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#14

וְנָתַ֥ן

H5414

and he will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#15

אֶתְכֶ֖ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

בְּיָדֵֽנוּ׃

H3027

you into our hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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

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

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 verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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