1 Samuel 24:10

Authorized King James Version

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּה֩
lo!
#2
הַיּ֤וֹם׀
Behold this day
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
#3
הַזֶּ֜ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
רָא֣וּ
have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
עֵינֶ֗יךָ
thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
נְתָֽנְךָ֩
had delivered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
יְהוָ֖ה
for he is the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
הַיּ֤וֹם׀
Behold this day
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
#11
יָדִי֙
into mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה
in the cave
a cavern (as dark)
#13
וָֽאֹמַ֗ר
and some bade
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
לַהֲרָֽגְךָ֖
me kill
to smite with deadly intent
#15
וַתָּ֣חָס
thee but mine eye spared
properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate
#16
עָלֶ֑יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
וָֽאֹמַ֗ר
and some bade
to say (used with great latitude)
#18
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
אֶשְׁלַ֤ח
I will not put forth
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#20
יָדִי֙
into mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#21
בַּֽאדֹנִ֔י
against my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#22
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#23
מְשִׁ֥יחַ
anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#24
יְהוָ֖ה
for he is the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#25
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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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