1 Samuel 26:16

Authorized King James Version

This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ט֞וֹב

H2896

is not good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

This thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּה֮

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

עָשִׂיתָ֒

H6213

that thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

As the LORD

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

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#10

בְנֵי

H1121

ye are worthy

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

מָ֙וֶת֙

H4194

to die

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#12

אַתֶּ֔ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#13

אֲשֶׁ֧ר

H834

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

#14

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

שְׁמַרְתֶּ֛ם

H8104

because ye have not kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#16

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶ֖ם

H113

your master

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

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

מְשִׁ֣יחַ

H4899

anointed

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

#20

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

As the LORD

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

#21

וְעַתָּ֣ה׀

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#22

רְאֵ֗ה

H7200

And now see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#23

אֵֽי

H335

where? hence how?

#24

חֲנִ֥ית

H2595

spear

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

#25

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ

H4428

where the king's

a king

#26

וְאֶת

H853

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

#27

צַפַּ֥חַת

H6835

is and the cruse

a saucer (as flat)

#28

הַמַּ֖יִם

H4325

of water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#29

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#30

מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָֽו׃

H4763

that was at his bolster

properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)

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

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 26 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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