1 Samuel 2:35

Authorized King James Version

And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַהֲקִֽימֹתִ֥י

H6965

And I will raise me up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לִי֙

כֹּהֵ֣ן

H3548

priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

נֶֽאֱמָ֔ן

H539

a faithful

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּלְבָבִ֥י

H3824

according to that which is in mine heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּבְנַפְשִׁ֖י

H5315

and in my mind

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה

H6213

that shall do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וּבָנִ֤יתִי

H1129

and I will build

to build (literally and figuratively)

#10

לוֹ֙

#11

בַּ֣יִת

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

נֶֽאֱמָ֔ן

H539

a faithful

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

#13

וְהִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ

H1980

and he shall walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#14

לִפְנֵֽי

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#15

מְשִׁיחִ֖י

H4899

mine anointed

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

#16

כָּל

H3605

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

#17

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

for ever

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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