1 Samuel 20:10

Authorized King James Version

Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָּוִד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
to Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#5
מִ֖י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
יַגִּ֣יד
Who shall tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#7
לִ֑י
H0
#8
א֛וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#9
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
יַּֽעַנְךָ֥
answer
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#11
אָבִ֖יךָ
H1
me or what if thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
קָשָֽׁה׃
thee roughly
severe (in various applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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