1 Samuel 23:22

Authorized King James Version

Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְכוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
נָ֞א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#3
הָכִ֣ינוּ
I pray you prepare
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#4
ע֗וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#5
וּדְע֤וּ
yet and know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#6
רָאָ֖הוּ
and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
מְקוֹמוֹ֙
his place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
רַגְל֔וֹ
where his haunt
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#12
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#13
רָאָ֖הוּ
and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#14
שָׁ֑ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#15
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
אָמַ֣ר
him there for it is told
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
עָר֥וֹם
me that he dealeth very
properly, to be (or make) bare; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)
#19
יַעְרִ֖ם
the plane tree (from its smooth and shed bark)
#20
הֽוּא׃
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

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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