1 Samuel 19:6

Authorized King James Version

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
hearkened
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
שָׁא֔וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
בְּק֣וֹל
unto the voice
a voice or sound
#4
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֑ן
of Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#5
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֣ע
sware
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#6
שָׁא֔וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#7
חַי
liveth
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
יְהוָ֖ה
As the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אִם
he shall not
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#10
יוּמָֽת׃
be slain
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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