1 Samuel 20:3

Authorized King James Version

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע

H7650

sware

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

ע֜וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

דָּוִ֗ד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר

H559

and he saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵֽדַע

H3045

certainly

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

יֵֽדַע

H3045

certainly

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אָבִ֗יךָ

Thy father

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

כִּֽי

H3588

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

מָצָ֤אתִי

H4672

that 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

#10

חֵן֙

H2580

grace

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

#11

בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ

H5869

in thine eyes

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

#12

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר

H559

and he saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#14

יֵֽדַע

H3045

certainly

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#15

זֹ֥את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#16

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֖ן

H3083

Let not Jonathan

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

#17

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#18

יֵֽעָצֵ֑ב

H6087

this lest he be grieved

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

#19

וְאוּלָ֗ם

H199

but truly

however or on the contrary

#20

וְחֵ֣י

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#21

יְהוָה֙

H3068

as the LORD

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

#22

וְחֵ֣י

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#23

נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ

H5315

and as thy soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#24

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#25

כְפֶ֔שַׂע

H6587

there is but a step

a stride

#26

בֵּינִ֖י

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#27

וּבֵ֥ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#28

הַמָּֽוֶת׃

H4194

between me and death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of grace 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 grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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