1 Samuel 25:24

Authorized King James Version

And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפֹּל֙
And fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
רַגְלָ֔יו
at his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#4
וַתֹּ֕אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
בִּי
H0
#6
אֲנִ֥י
of thine handmaid
i
#7
אֲדֹנִ֖י
Upon me my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#8
הֶֽעָוֹ֑ן
upon me let this iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#9
וּֽתְדַבֶּר
I pray thee speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
נָ֤א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#11
אֲמָתֶֽךָ׃
be and let thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave
#12
בְּאָזְנֶ֔יךָ
in thine audience
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#13
וּשְׁמַ֕ע
and hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#16
אֲמָתֶֽךָ׃
be and let thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave

Analysis

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources