1 Samuel 20:1

Authorized King James Version

And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּבְרַ֣ח
fled
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#2
דָּוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
מִנָּוֹי֖ת
from Naioth
navith, a place in palestine
#4
בָּֽרָמָ֑ה
in Ramah
ramah, the name of four places in palestine
#5
וַיָּבֹ֞א
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
לִפְנֵ֣י
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
#8
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֗ן
Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#9
מֶ֤ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙
What have I done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
מֶֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
עֲוֹנִ֤י
what is mine iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#13
וּמֶֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#14
חַטָּאתִי֙
and what is my sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#15
לִפְנֵ֣י
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
#16
אָבִ֔יךָ
H1
thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#17
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
that he seeketh
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
נַפְשִֽׁי׃
my life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources