1 Samuel 20:26

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
דִבֶּ֥ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
שָׁא֛וּל
Nevertheless Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#4
מְא֖וּמָה
not any thing
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
#5
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#6
הַה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אָמַר֙
for he thought
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
מִקְרֶ֣ה
Something hath befallen
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
#10
ה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#11
בִּלְתִּ֥י
him he is not
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#12
טָהֽוֹר׃
clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#13
ה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
טָהֽוֹר׃
clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

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 divine revelation 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 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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