1 Samuel 24:21

Authorized King James Version

Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
הִשָּׁ֤בְעָה
Swear
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#3
לִּי֙
H0
#4
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
now therefore unto me by the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וְאִם
that thou wilt not
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
תַּכְרִ֥ית
cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
זַרְעִ֖י
my seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#9
אַֽחֲרָ֑י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
וְאִם
that thou wilt not
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#11
תַּשְׁמִ֥יד
me and that thou wilt not destroy
to desolate
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
שְׁמִ֖י
my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#14
מִבֵּ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
אָבִֽי׃
H1
out of my father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 divine sovereignty 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 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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