1 Samuel 20:25

Authorized King James Version

And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
הַ֠מֶּלֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
מוֹשַׁב֙
even upon a seat
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
#5
בְּפַ֗עַם
as at other times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#6
בְּפַ֗עַם
as at other times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מוֹשַׁב֙
even upon a seat
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
#9
הַקִּ֔יר
by the wall
a wall (as built in a trench)
#10
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#11
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
and Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#12
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#13
אַבְנֵ֖ר
H74
and Abner
abner, an israelite
#14
מִצַּ֣ד
side
a side; figuratively, an adversary
#15
שָׁא֑וּל
by Saul's
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#16
וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד
was empty
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#17
מְק֥וֹם
place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#18
דָּוִֽד׃
and David's
david, the youngest son of jesse

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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