1 Samuel 3:13

Authorized King James Version

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי
H5046
For I have told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
ל֔וֹ
H0
#3
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
שֹׁפֵ֥ט
H8199
him that I will judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#5
אֲנִ֛י
H589
i
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בֵּית֖וֹ
H1004
his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
עַד
H5704
for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
עוֹלָ֑ם
H5769
ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#10
בַּֽעֲוֹ֣ן
H5771
for the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#11
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יָדַ֗ע
H3045
which he knoweth
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#13
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
מְקַלְלִ֤ים
H7043
made themselves vile
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#15
לָהֶם֙
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
בָּנָ֔יו
H1121
because his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#17
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
כִהָ֖ה
H3543
and he restrained
to be weak, i.e., (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull
#19
בָּֽם׃
H0

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

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources