1 Samuel 20:7

Authorized King James Version

If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
יֹאמַ֛ר
If he say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
ט֖וֹב
thus It is well
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
שָׁל֣וֹם
shall have peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#6
לְעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ
thy servant
a servant
#7
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
יֶֽחֱרֶה֙
but if he be very
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#9
יֶֽחֱרֶה֙
but if he be very
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#10
ל֔וֹ
H0
#11
דַּ֕ע
then be sure
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
כָלְתָ֥ה
is determined
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#14
הָֽרָעָ֖ה
that evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#15
מֵֽעִמּֽוֹ׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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

Questions for Reflection

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