1 Samuel 20:13

Authorized King James Version

The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכֹ֣ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יַעֲשֶׂה֩

H6213

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

יְהוָה֙

H3068

The LORD

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

לִיהֽוֹנָתָ֜ן

H3083

to Jonathan

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

וְכֹ֣ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יֹסִ֗יף

H3254

and much more

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

יֵיטִ֨ב

H3190

but if it please

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

אָבִֽי׃

be with thee as he hath been with my father

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

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

הָֽרָעָה֙

H7451

to do thee evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#13

עָלֶ֔יךָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

וְגָלִ֙יתִי֙

H1540

then I will shew

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

אָזְנֶ֔ךָ

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#17

וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֖יךָ

H7971

it thee and send thee away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#18

וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֣

H1980

that thou mayest go

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

#19

לְשָׁל֑וֹם

H7965

in peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#20

וִיהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#21

יְהוָה֙

H3068

The LORD

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

#22

עִמָּ֔ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#23

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#24

הָיָ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#25

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#26

אָבִֽי׃

be with thee as he hath been with my father

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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