1 Samuel 20:31

Authorized King James Version

For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הַיָּמִ֗ים
H3117
For as long as
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
#4
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
בֶן
H1121
him unto me for he shall surely die
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
יִשַׁי֙
H3448
of Jesse
jishai, david's father
#7
חַ֣י
H2416
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה
H127
upon the ground
soil (from its general redness)
#10
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תִכּ֖וֹן
H3559
thou shalt not be established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#12
אַתָּ֣ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#13
וּמַלְכוּתֶ֑ךָ
H4438
nor thy kingdom
a rule; concretely, a dominion
#14
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#15
שְׁלַ֨ח
H7971
Wherefore now send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#16
וְקַ֤ח
H3947
and fetch
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#17
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
אֵלַ֔י
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
בֶן
H1121
him unto me for he shall surely die
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#21
מָ֖וֶת
H4194
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#22
הֽוּא׃
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

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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