1 Samuel 26:17

Authorized King James Version

And Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּכֵּ֤ר
knew
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#2
שָׁאוּל֙
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
קוֹלִ֖י
Is this thy voice
a voice or sound
#5
דָּוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
קוֹלִ֖י
Is this thy voice
a voice or sound
#8
זֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
בְּנִ֣י
my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
דָּוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
דָּוִ֔ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#13
קוֹלִ֖י
Is this thy voice
a voice or sound
#14
אֲדֹנִ֥י
my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#15
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
O king
a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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