1 Samuel 2:25

Authorized King James Version

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶֽחֱטָא

H2398

sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

If one man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

If one man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִתְפַּלֶּל

H6419

shall judge

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

the judge

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְאִ֤ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

against the LORD

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

יֶֽחֱטָא

H2398

sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#10

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

If one man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

מִ֖י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#12

יִתְפַּלֶּל

H6419

shall judge

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

#13

ל֑וֹ

#14

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

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

#15

יִשְׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

for him Notwithstanding they hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#16

לְק֣וֹל

H6963

not unto the voice

a voice or sound

#17

אֲבִיהֶ֔ם

of their father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#18

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#19

חָפֵ֥ץ

H2654

would

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

#20

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

against the LORD

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

#21

לַֽהֲמִיתָֽם׃

H4191

slay

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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