1 Samuel 26:18

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָ֥מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
זֶּ֛ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
אֲדֹנִ֥י
Wherefore doth my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#5
רֹדֵ֖ף
thus pursue
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#6
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
עַבְדּ֑וֹ
his servant
a servant
#8
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מֶ֣ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
for what have I done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
וּמַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
בְּיָדִ֖י
is in mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#13
רָעָֽה׃
or what evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources