1 Samuel 25:34

Authorized King James Version

For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאוּלָ֗ם

H199

For in very deed

however or on the contrary

חַי

H2416

liveth

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

יְהוָה֙

H3068

as the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מְנָעַ֔נִי

H4513

which hath kept me back

to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury

מֵֽהָרַ֖ע

H7489

from hurting

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

אֹתָ֑ךְ

H853

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

#10

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

לוּלֵ֣י

H3884

thee except

if not

#12

מִהַ֗רְתְּ

H4116

thou hadst hasted

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

#13

וַתָּבֹאתי֙

H935

and come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#14

לִקְרָאתִ֔י

H7125

to meet

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

#15

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#17

נוֹתַ֧ר

H3498

me surely there had not been left

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

#18

לְנָבָ֛ל

H5037

unto Nabal

nabal, an israelite

#19

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#20

א֥וֹר

H216

light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

#21

הַבֹּ֖קֶר

H1242

by the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#22

מַשְׁתִּ֥ין

H8366

any that pisseth

(causatively) to make water, i.e., urinate

#23

בְּקִֽיר׃

H7023

against the wall

a wall (as built in a trench)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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