1 Samuel 20:29

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֡אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

שַׁלְּחֵ֣נִי

H7971

Let me go

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

נָ֡א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

זֶבַח֩

H2077

hath a sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

מִשְׁפָּחָ֨ה

H4940

I pray thee for our family

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

לָ֜נוּ

בָּעִ֗יר

H5892

in the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְה֤וּא

H1931

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

#10

צִוָּה

H6680

he hath commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#11

לִי֙

#12

אֶחָ֑י

H251

and my brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#13

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#14

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#15

מָצָ֤אתִי

H4672

me to be there and now if I have found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#16

חֵן֙

H2580

favour

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

#17

בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ

H5869

in thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#18

אִמָּ֥לְטָה

H4422

let me get away

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#19

נָּ֖א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#20

וְאֶרְאֶ֣ה

H7200

I pray thee and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#21

אֶת

H853

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

#22

אֶחָ֑י

H251

and my brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#23

עַל

H5921

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

#24

כֵּ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#25

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#26

בָ֔א

H935

Therefore he cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#27

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#28

שֻׁלְחַ֖ן

H7979

table

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

#29

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

not unto the king's

a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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