1 Samuel 22:15

Authorized King James Version

Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַיּ֧וֹם

H3117

Did I then

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

הַחִלֹּ֛תִי

H2490

begin

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

ל֥וֹ

H7592

to enquire

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

ל֥וֹ

H7592

to enquire

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

בֵֽאלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

חָלִ֣ילָה

H2486

for him be it far from me

literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!

לִּ֑י

אַל

H408

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

יָשֵׂם֩

H7760

impute

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#10

הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ

H4428

let not the king

a king

#11

עַבְדְּךָ֙

H5650

for thy servant

a servant

#12

דָּבָ֥ר

H1697

any thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#13

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

nor to all the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

אָבִ֔י

of my father

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

#16

כִּ֠י

H3588

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

#17

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#18

יָדַ֤ע

H3045

knew

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

#19

עַבְדְּךָ֙

H5650

for thy servant

a servant

#20

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

זֹ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#22

דָּבָ֥ר

H1697

any thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#23

קָטֹ֖ן

H6996

of all this less

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#24

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#25

גָדֽוֹל׃

H1419

or more

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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