1 Samuel 6:9

Authorized King James Version

And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth-shemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּרְאִיתֶ֗ם

H7200

And see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אִם

H518

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

דֶּ֨רֶךְ

H1870

by the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

גְּבוּל֤וֹ

H1366

of his own coast

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

יַֽעֲלֶה֙

H5927

if it goeth up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בֵּ֣ית

שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ

H1053

to Bethshemesh

beth-shemesh, a place in palestine

ה֚וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עָ֣שָׂה

H6213

then he hath done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

לָ֔נוּ

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

הָֽרָעָ֥ה

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#13

הַגְּדוֹלָ֖ה

H1419

us this great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#14

הַזֹּ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#15

וְאִם

H518

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

#16

לֹ֗א

H3808

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

#17

וְיָדַ֙עְנוּ֙

H3045

but if not then we shall know

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

#18

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#19

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#20

יָדוֹ֙

H3027

that it is not 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

#21

נָ֣גְעָה

H5060

that smote

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#22

בָּ֔נוּ

#23

מִקְרֶ֥ה

H4745

us it was a chance

something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune

#24

ה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#25

הָ֥יָה

H1961

that happened to us

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#26

לָֽנוּ׃

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 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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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