1 Samuel 3:14

Authorized King James Version

And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָכֵ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי
And therefore I have sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#3
בֵּית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
עֵלִ֛י
of Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest
#5
אִֽם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
יִתְכַּפֵּ֞ר
shall not be purged
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#7
עֲוֹ֧ן
that the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#8
בֵּית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
עֵלִ֛י
of Eli
eli, an israelite highpriest
#10
בְּזֶ֥בַח
with sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#11
וּבְמִנְחָ֖ה
nor offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#12
עַד
for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
עוֹלָֽם׃
ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

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

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