1 Samuel 27:1

Authorized King James Version

And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֙

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִבּ֔וֹ

H3820

in his heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַתָּ֛ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֶסָּפֶ֥ה

H5595

I shall now perish

properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r

יוֹם

H3117

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

אֶחָ֖ד

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִיָּדֽוֹ׃

H3027

by the 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

#10

שָׁאוּל֙

H7586

and Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

#11

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#12

לִ֨י

#13

ט֜וֹב

H2896

there is nothing better

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

#14

כִּ֣י

H3588

for me than that

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

#15

וְנִמְלַטְתִּ֖י

H4422

I should speedily

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#16

וְנִמְלַטְתִּ֖י

H4422

I should speedily

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

into the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים

H6430

of the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#20

וְנוֹאַ֨שׁ

H2976

shall despair

to desist, i.e., (figuratively) to despond

#21

מִמֶּ֤נִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#22

שָׁאוּל֙

H7586

and Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

#23

לְבַקְשֵׁ֤נִי

H1245

of me to seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#24

עוֹד֙

H5750

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

#25

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#26

גְּב֣וּל

H1366

me any more in any coast

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

#27

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#28

וְנִמְלַטְתִּ֖י

H4422

I should speedily

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#29

מִיָּדֽוֹ׃

H3027

by the 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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