1 Samuel 26:24

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִנֵּ֗ה
lo!
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
תִּגְדַּ֤ל
be much set by
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#4
נַפְשִׁי֙
And behold as thy life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
הַיּ֥וֹם
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
#6
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
תִּגְדַּ֤ל
be much set by
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#10
נַפְשִׁי֙
And behold as thy life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#11
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
וְיַצִּלֵ֖נִי
and let him deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#14
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
צָרָֽה׃
me out of all tribulation
transitively, a female rival

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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