1 Samuel 3:19

Authorized King James Version

And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגְדַּ֖ל
grew
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#2
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל
And Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#3
וַֽיהוָה֙
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
הָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
עִמּ֔וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#6
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
הִפִּ֥יל
fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#8
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
דְּבָרָ֖יו
was with him and did let none of his words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#10
אָֽרְצָה׃
to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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