1 Samuel 20:12

Authorized King James Version

And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֜ן
And Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
דָּוִ֑ד
toward David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#5
יְהוָ֞ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
God
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
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אֶחְקֹ֣ר
when I have sounded
properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
אָבִ֗י
H1
my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
כָּעֵ֤ת׀
any time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#13
מָחָר֙
about to morrow
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
#14
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֔ית
or the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#15
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#16
ט֖וֹב
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
דָּוִ֑ד
toward David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#19
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
אָז֙
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#21
אֶשְׁלַ֣ח
and I then send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#22
אֵלֶ֔יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#23
וְגָלִ֖יתִי
not unto thee and shew
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#24
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#25
אָזְנֶֽךָ׃
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

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

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