1 Samuel 2:20

Authorized King James Version

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבֵרַ֨ךְ
blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#2
עֵלִ֜י
And Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֶלְקָנָ֣ה
Elkanah
elkanah, the name of several israelites
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הָֽאִשָּׁ֣ה
and his wife
a woman
#7
וְאָמַר֙
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
יָשֵׂם֩
give
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#9
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
לְךָ֥
H0
#11
זֶ֙רַע֙
thee seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#12
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
הָֽאִשָּׁ֣ה
and his wife
a woman
#14
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#15
תַּ֚חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#16
הַשְּׁאֵלָ֔ה
for the loan
a petition; by implication, a loan
#17
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
שָׁאַ֖ל
which is lent
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#19
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#20
וְהָֽלְכ֖וּ
And they went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#21
לִמְקוֹמֽוֹ׃
unto their own home
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

Analysis

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources