1 Samuel 20:23

Authorized King James Version

And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַ֨דָּבָ֔ר
And as touching the matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#2
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
דִּבַּ֖רְנוּ
which thou and I have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
אֲנִ֣י
i
#5
וָאָ֑תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
הִנֵּ֧ה
lo!
#7
יְהוָ֛ה
of behold the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
בֵּינִ֥י
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#9
וּבֵֽינְךָ֖
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
עַד
be between thee and me for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
עוֹלָֽם׃
ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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