1 Samuel 25:29

Authorized King James Version

Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֤קָם

H6965

is risen

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אָדָם֙

H120

Yet a man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לִרְדָפְךָ֔

H7291

to pursue

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וּלְבַקֵּ֖שׁ

H1245

thee and to seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נֶ֤פֶשׁ

H5315

and the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְֽהָיְתָה֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נֶ֤פֶשׁ

H5315

and the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֲדֹנִ֜י

H113

of my lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#10

צְרוּרָ֣ה׀

H6887

shall be bound

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

#11

בִּצְר֣וֹר

H6872

in the bundle

a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package)

#12

הַֽחַיִּ֗ים

H2416

of life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#13

אֵ֚ת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

with the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#15

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

thy 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

#16

וְאֵ֨ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

נֶ֤פֶשׁ

H5315

and the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#18

אֹֽיְבֶ֙יךָ֙

H341

of thine enemies

hating; an adversary

#19

יְקַלְּעֶ֔נָּה

H7049

them shall he sling out

to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)

#20

בְּת֖וֹךְ

H8432

as out of the middle

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#21

כַּ֥ף

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#22

הַקָּֽלַע׃

H7050

of a sling

a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

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 life 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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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