1 Samuel 26:21

Authorized King James Version

Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֨וּל

H7586

Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

חָטָ֜אתִי

H2398

I have sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

שׁ֣וּב

H7725

return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בְּנִֽי

H1121

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

דָוִ֗ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

כִּ֠י

H3588

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

אָרַ֤ע

H7489

for I will no more do thee harm

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

#10

לְךָ֙

#11

ע֔וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#12

תַּ֠חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#13

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#14

יָֽקְרָ֥ה

H3365

was precious

properly, apparently, to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) valuable; causatively, to make rare (figuratively, to inhibit)

#15

נַפְשִׁ֛י

H5315

because my soul

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

#16

בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ

H5869

in thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#17

הַיּ֣וֹם

H3117

this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#18

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#19

הִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

#20

הִסְכַּ֛לְתִּי

H5528

behold I have played the fool

to be silly

#21

וָֽאֶשְׁגֶּ֖ה

H7686

and have erred

to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication

#22

הַרְבֵּ֥ה

H7235

exceedingly

to increase (in whatever respect)

#23

מְאֹֽד׃

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

Related Resources

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