1 Samuel 6:3

Authorized King James Version

And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ

H559

And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

אִֽם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תְּשַׁלְּח֤וּ

H7971

If ye send away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֨וֹן

H727

the ark

a box

אֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

of the God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

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

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּשַׁלְּח֤וּ

H7971

If ye send away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#10

אֹתוֹ֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

רֵיקָ֔ם

H7387

it not empty

emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#13

תָּשִׁ֛יבוּ

H7725

but in any wise

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#14

תָּשִׁ֛יבוּ

H7725

but in any wise

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#15

ל֖וֹ

#16

אָשָׁ֑ם

H817

him a trespass offering

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

#17

אָ֤ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

#18

תֵּרָֽפְאוּ֙

H7495

then ye shall be healed

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

#19

וְנוֹדַ֣ע

H3045

and it shall be known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#20

לָכֶ֔ם

#21

לָ֛מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#22

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

תָס֥וּר

H5493

is not removed

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#24

יָד֖וֹ

H3027

to you why his 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

#25

מִכֶּֽם׃

H4480

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

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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps