1 Samuel 20:9

Authorized King James Version

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֖ן
And Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#3
חָלִ֣ילָה
Far be it from thee
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
#4
לָּ֑ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
כִּ֣י׀
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
אֵדַ֗ע
certainly
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
אֵדַ֗ע
certainly
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
כָלְתָ֨ה
were determined
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#11
הָֽרָעָ֜ה
that evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
מֵעִ֤ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#13
אָבִי֙
H1
by my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
לָב֣וֹא
to come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#15
עָלֶ֔יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
אֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
אַגִּ֥יד
upon thee then would not I tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#19
לָֽךְ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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